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1,011,444	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011204}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	1772170563289984	Click to READ More👉👉Title：The Return of the God of War 👊👊	👊😡After 15 years, he came back, saw his wife and daughter living on the street, angry on the spot, a short message to 100 billion group bankruptcy<br /> --------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> <br /> In Erudia, a private jet landed at North Hampton Airport, where all international flights experienced an eight-hour delay because of it.<br /> <br /> At the private passageway were five men in suits and leather shoes, standing as straight as a javelin.<br /> <br /> Every now and then, they would raise their wrist to look at the time, for a big shot was coming to town.<br /> <br /> The upper-class society of North Hampton had learned about his arrival, but no one had the capability to get an inch closer to the private passageway.<br /> <br /> Even the richest man in North Hampton who came to pay homage was chased away.<br /> <br /> Finally, there were movements coming from the passageway.<br /> <br /> “God of War!!!” the mass cried out, their eyes filled with awe and veneration at the sight of the undefeatable legend of Erudia.<br /> <br /> He, who was dubbed the God of War, was the one and only five-star war God in the history of Erudia.<br /> <br /> Once, he'd inflicted a crushing defeat on the strongest battalions in eighteen countries. He was an overbearing and formidable man.<br /> <br /> He who overwhelmed the world with his unparalleled power had even created the Five Great Wars Regiment, Cavalry Regiment, and many more.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> Setting foot on his homeland, Levi Garrison was overcome with emotions.<br /> <br /> Once upon a time, he used to be an orphan who was abandoned on the streets of North Hampton and then adopted by the Garrison family.<br /> <br /> However, the Garrison family had never been fond of him.<br /> <br /> His adoptive parents, who had a tendency to beat and scold him, treated him like an outsider.<br /> <br /> As for the outsiders, they treated him as a nobody.<br /> <br /> But he didn't care a stiver. He had always been proud of his surname since he was a child, and he strived to bring glory to this family when he grew older.<br /> <br /> At last, Levi had established Levi Group, the largest dark horse in North Hampton's business community.<br /> <br /> With billions of assets, it ranked among the forefront of North Hampton, pushing the declining Garrison family to the top.<br /> <br /> However, not only did the Garrison family showed no signs of appreciation, they even harbored dissatisfaction towards him. Jealous of his success, they regarded him as a thorn in their flesh and coveted Levi Group.<br /> <br /> No matter his wealth and power, unless they were in control, he was just an outsider in the Garrison family's eyes.<br /> <br /> Eventually, on Levi's wedding night, the Garrison family plotted a frame-up against him by getting him drunk before tossing him onto his sister-in-law's bed. They wanted to create the illusion that he was doing something untoward to her and was caught in bed by his brother and adoptive parents.<br /> <br /> That night, the Garrison family had brutally broken his limbs and left him on the road like a wild dog.<br /> <br /> Not only was he handicapped, but he also had to take the flak for something he didn't commit.<br /> <br /> From an upstart in the business world, he had become the target of disdain overnight.<br /> <br /> And the next day, he had been punished for several crimes and sentenced to six years in prison.<br /> <br /> He could never forget the ruthless and sinister faces of everyone in the Garrison family and the ridicule of his friends, classmates, and business partners.<br /> <br /> More so, he could never forget the disappointment on his newly wedded wife, Zoey's face.<br /> <br /> He had regarded the Garrison family as his home and devoted himself to the family.<br /> <br /> Yet, they treated him like trash.<br /> <br /> It felt as if a knife was being twisted in his heart every time he thought about this.<br /> <br /> How he hated the Garrison family!<br /> <br /> But who would have thought that Levi had been secretly transferred away from prison to join the military?<br /> <br /> In a few years, he dominated the military world and became the one and only five-star God of War.<br /> <br /> Now that he came back, the Garrison family ought to stay on their toes.<br /> <br /> “How's it going, Azure Dragon?” Levi asked.<br /> <br /> Azure Dragon, the commander of the Five Great Wars Regiment, took a step forward and said respectfully, “Sir, I'm afraid your wife, Ms. Zoey Lopez will remarry at ten o'clock tonight!”<br /> <br /> Ever since Zoey's husband was sent to prison on their wedding night, she had been living like a widow.<br /> <br /> Only God knew how much pressure she was put under.<br /> <br /> And right now, the person Levi couldn't wait to see the most was Zoey.<br /> <br /> After a moment of hesitation, Azure Dragon continued, “To add on, Sir, the Garrison family is holding a successful listing celebration banquet at the Crystal Palace Hotel tonight! Many people had invited the God of War just now, including the Garrison family, but I didn't accept nor refuse directly.”<br /> <br /> “What time?” Levi asked tersely.<br /> <br /> “Eight o'clock, Sir.”<br /> <br /> “Okay. Tell the Garrison family I will attend the banquet!”<br /> <br /> Since the time for the two events didn't clash, Levi gladly accepted the invitation.<br /> <br /> The celebration banquet for the public listing of Garrison Group was held at North Hampton's Crystal Palace Hotel.<br /> <br /> With the help of Levi Group, they had become a rich and powerful family in one fell swoop.<br /> <br /> The hall was bustling with noise and excitement, and sounds of glasses clinking could be heard ringing in the air every now and then.<br /> <br /> “God bless the Garrison family,” said Joseph, the head of the Garrison family. “The younger generations are the stars among men. Garrison Group is now listed and has become an upstart in North Hampton!”<br /> <br /> Joseph's three sons and daughter welcomed their guests with bright smiles on their faces.<br /> <br /> The younger generation of the Garrison family was all the smugger and prouder because, after today, the Garrison family would become a powerful family, and they would become one of the top rich kids.<br /> <br /> Most of the guests who attended today's banquet were from the top circle in North Hampton.<br /> <br /> “Garrison, do you know what happened today?! Your celebration party is nothing compared to that.” They were gossiping about the major event that had happened today.<br /> <br /> “Yeah! I heard that a big shot has arrived in North Hampton!”<br /> <br /> “The richest man in North Hampton wanted to meet him but was shooed away. Apparently, he's not qualified enough!”<br /> <br /> “So? Jesse Nielsen had been waiting for five hours in advance at the airport!”<br /> <br /> Joseph nodded. “Yes, I know about that too. I even sent someone to invite this big shot to the celebration party!”<br /> <br /> “No way! Why would this big shot attend such a party?”<br /> <br /> No one believed it.<br /> <br /> In fact, as an upstart, Joseph was just trying his luck.<br /> <br /> “Dad!” shouted Jaycob, the second eldest son of the Garrison family could be seen running over. “The big shot has accepted our invitation to attend our celebration banquet! He's on the way!”<br /> <br /> “Jesus! God has indeed blessed the Garrison family!”<br /> <br /> Everyone in the Garrison family could barely conceal their delight as this was their chance to reach the sky in a single bound.<br /> <br /> The grandchildren of the Garrison family gathered together, sunshine flooding their souls.<br /> <br /> Levi's brother, Bryan, and sister-in-law, Victoria, smiled. “Well, it all starts with Levi's imprisonment that the Garrison family is at where we are today...”<br /> <br /> “Right, speaking about Levi, do you guys know today's the day that kid gets out of prison?!” somebody asked abruptly.<br /> <br /> “Really? Isn't that bad luck? Why did he have to be released on such a big day?!”<br /> <br /> “Please, please, please don't come back! He's the Garrison family's biggest disgrace!”<br /> <br /> Victoria's lips tugged into a sneer. “Speaking of which, Levi is the crowning glory of the Garrison family's status today.”<br /> <br /> “That's what he's supposed to do!” Bryan said. “He should contribute to the Garrison family for raising him, an orphan! His multi-billion Levi Group means nothing. To put it bluntly, he's just a dog raised by the Garrison family!”<br /> <br /> Someone gave a chortle. “As a matter of fact, I've been interested in Levi's wife for a long time now. She's still widowed, and I'm so going to marry her!”<br /> <br /> The man's remark caused gales of laughter.<br /> <br /> “Everyone, stop what you're doing. I have an important announcement to make,” Joseph said and went on to announce that the big shot was coming.<br /> <br /> A thunderous applause was heard.<br /> <br /> But when the applause had died down, there was still someone clapping.<br /> <br /> The sound was loud and clear, approaching from afar.<br /> <br /> On the red carpet, a man came clapping, looking bold and energetic.<br /> <br /> His stride gave off a majestic and imposing aura, which made the mass hold their breaths.<br /> <br /> “It's Levi!” Bryan and Victoria exclaimed.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, all eyes were riveted on him.<br /> <br /> “I forgot this little brat got out of jail today!” Levi's adoptive parents spoke in unison.<br /> <br /> Ignoring the astonished gazes darted at his way, Levi walked step by step towards Joseph.<br /> <br /> “A little bird told me that the company is now listed. How are you feeling, Joseph? Are you happy?”<br /> <br /> Levi flashed him a meaningful smile.<br /> <br /> “How dare you show up here, you insolent brat! And what did you just call me?” Joseph's fury sprang to life.<br /> <br /> “Who let him in? Didn't you know he just got out of prison? How inauspicious!”<br /> <br /> Bryan rose to his feet. “…… are you doing here, Levi?”<br /> <br /> Levi sized him up. “Why can't I be here?”<br /> <br /> “Well, for starters, you're an orphan! The Garrison family has raised you, but you were ambitious and ungrateful. You had inordinate ambitions for your sister-in-law, and you wanted to take possession of the Garrison family! You'd even tried to kill your parents when things go south! Have you no conscience? Do you have any sense of morality left in your heart?”<br /> <br /> “You've lost your reputation in North Hampton, and everyone knows that. Have you no shame to have the brass neck to come round here?”<br /> <br /> “Everyone knows why you're back. You want to leech off the Garrison family; you want our money, isn't it?!”<br /> <br /> “You've long been expelled from the Garrison family, you ungrateful wretch! The Garrison family has nothing to do with you! Now, get lost!”<br /> <br /> Levi's adoptive parents rose to their feet and pointed at his nose, hurling abusive remarks at him.<br /> <br /> The Garrison family's brazenness of distorting the truth was mind-bending.<br /> <br /> How disappointing!<br /> <br /> He had thought they would feel somewhat apologetic after six years, but they were unexpectedly more aggravated.<br /> <br /> They took everything from him, crippled him, and ruined his reputation, turning everything upside down and making everything his fault instead.<br /> <br /> The Garrison family didn't have the slightest bit of compassion to speak of.<br /> <br /> Bryan zipped towards Levi, assessing him condescendingly. “Hmph! Don't you just want money now that you're back?”<br /> <br /> Flap!<br /> <br /> Bryan threw a credit card to the ground and lifted his foot, shaking his leather shoe. “My vamp is dirty. Lick it clean, and the one million in this card is yours!”<br /> <br /> His words elicited a fresh burst of laughter as the crowd looked at Levi as if they were looking at a dog.<br /> <br /> “Oh my! One million? That's more than enough to cover his living expenses. I bet he'll lick it!”<br /> <br /> Victoria gave a wry look.<br /> <br /> “On your knees!” Bryan roared, seeing that Levi was glaring at him. “Now, lick my shoe!”<br /> <br /> Levi stared at him coldly and held his peace.<br /> <br /> “Kneel!!!”<br /> <br /> Bryan rushed to Levi and pressed his shoulders, forcing him to kneel, but the latter didn't budge.<br /> <br /> “I said kneel!!!”<br /> <br /> Bryan struggled to rivet him to the spot.<br /> <br /> “Drop dead!”<br /> <br /> Levi suddenly slapped Bryan in the face, sending him flying almost eight meters away.<br /> <br /> Silence engulfed the room; one could even hear a pin drop!<br /> <br /> Unbelievable!<br /> <br /> Everyone in the Garrison family was stupefied.<br /> <br /> What did Levi just do?<br /> <br /> Did he just knock Bryan to the ground with a single slap?<br /> <br /> Plod!<br /> <br /> Bryan was about to get up when Levi stepped on him, crushed him, and crossed over him.<br /> <br /> Looking at the approaching Levi, Joseph instinctively stepped back.<br /> <br /> Levi went up the stage and adjusted the microphone stand.<br /> <br /> Everyone looked at him, wondering what he was going to do next.<br /> <br /> “Listen up, everyone...”<br /> <br /> “I'm sure you remember what happened six years ago, yes? For the love and care I had received from the Garrison family during childhood, I'm giving you one month to kneel before me for three days and three nights to repent your sins!”<br /> <br /> “Remember, that's everyone from the Garrison family!”<br /> <br /> “If I don't see any shadow within a month, the outcome is simple—I swear I'll wipe off every single one of you here today!”<br /> <br /> Levi's voice was low and deep.<br /> <br /> But as soon as he finished, the crowd was laughing like a drain.<br /> <br /> “Did prison life eat his brain or what? What conceited nonsense is he spouting?”<br /> <br /> “The Garrison family right now is a juggernaut in North Hampton. He's just a criminal. Isn't it a pipe dream to destroy the Garrison family?”<br /> <br /> “Did he knock his brain loose or something?”<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> “Bear in mind that I have limited patience. You only have one month! Of course, you may gather your strengths and connections to fight against me! I'll be waiting.”<br /> <br /> Levi then took his leave straightaway, disregarding the mockeries of the crowd.<br /> <br /> “Stop right there, you *! Did I tell you to leave?”<br /> <br /> Ben, Levi's adoptive father, wanted to stop him.<br /> <br /> “Ben, let him go!” Joseph said. “It's a big day today. I don't want to see bloodshed!”<br /> <br /> He was afraid about the impact that would bring about if the big shot saw this.<br /> <br /> “Yeah! There are so much more opportunities to take care of him!”<br /> <br /> “He's in luck that the big shot is on his way!”<br /> <br /> With that, Levi left the place under the watchful eyes of hundreds of people.<br /> <br /> After Levi had left, Joseph asked anxiously, “Jaycob, where's the big shot? Isn't he here yet?”<br /> <br /> Jaycob looked dazed. “According to the time, he should have arrived long ago. Let me ask...”<br /> <br /> After making a phone call, Jaycob blanched. “Dad, the big shot was here, but he left already.”<br /> <br /> “What? The big shot was here?”<br /> <br /> “The big shot said that the Garrison family are a bunch of unworthy stupid pigs!”<br /> <br /> “I get it. He must have left in a fit of rage after witnessing the ruckus that brat had created!”<br /> <br /> “He must have thought that the Garrison family disrespected him!”<br /> <br /> Joseph trembled with rage. “That brat will pay for this!”<br /> <br /> The multitude reacted accordingly.<br /> <br /> Levi has ruined the Garrison family's glorious event!<br /> <br /> He just pissed off the big shot!<br /> <br /> That's equivalent to cutting off the Garrison family's chance to reach the sky!<br /> <br /> Levi Garrison is indeed the sinner of the Garrison family!<br /> <br /> At that moment, the Garrison family wished to skin Levi alive.<br /> <br /> His adoptive parents, brother, and sister-in-law especially hated him to the bone. “Just you wait, Levi!”<br /> <br /> After leaving Crystal Palace Hotel, the next person that Levi was going to look for was his wife, Zoey Lopez.<br /> <br /> In this life, he owed no debt to the Garrison family, nor his friends and classmates, but Zoey.<br /> <br /> He had been imprisoned on the second day after the wedding, making Zoey lose her reputation. That even put her through six years of widowhood.<br /> <br /> This woman has carried too much on her shoulders for six years.<br /> <br /> But now that I'm back, I'll hold your hand, and we'll conquer the world together!<br /> <br /> After hesitating for a long time, Levi pressed the doorbell.<br /> <br /> Thud!<br /> <br /> The young woman dropped her mobile phone to the ground as the door opened.<br /> <br /> Upon taking a closer look at Levi's face, Zoey broke down in tears.<br /> <br /> “Zoey, quick, just get the parcel and come in. It's almost time for the family banquet! Your grandfather is going to settle your marriage at the family banquet tonight. You can't get away from this!”<br /> <br /> “Yeah! Quickly get dressed! Your grandfather is going to set you up with someone else!”<br /> <br /> Zoey's parents' voices sounded from the inside.<br /> <br /> “Zoey, I'm back!” Levi said excitedly, wanting to fling his arm around her, but Zoey slapped his hands away.<br /> <br /> “Why did you come back? I've already forgotten about you...”<br /> <br /> Zoey's voice was choked with sobs.<br /> <br /> Very soon after, Zoey's parents, Aaron and Caitlyn, came out, looking horrified.<br /> <br /> “How dare you have the nerve to come back? Do you know how much criticism my family has suffered because of you? Especially Zoey. Do you know how much she has suffered for the past six years?” Zoey's father, Aaron, reproached.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, her mother, Caitlyn, pushed and shoved Levi. “You should know that this relationship between you and Zoey is impossible in this life the moment you went to jail! You're a criminal! You're just a street rat in North Hampton! You're only putting Zoey in harm's way by coming to see her!”<br /> <br /> Naturally, Levi had known of Zoey's sufferings for the past six years, including her refusal to remarry because of him.<br /> <br /> Levi put on a serious face. “This time, I'm back for good. I won't leave Zoey ever again. I will grant her a bright future and let her own the world!”<br /> <br /> Levi's declaration had Aaron and Caitlyn hooting with laughter.<br /> <br /> “You've spent six years in jail. How are you going to give Zoey a future?” Aaron asked with a sneer.<br /> <br /> “Yeah! With your mouth?” Caitlyn chimed in. “There's a limit to talking big!”<br /> <br /> Nonetheless, Levi smiled. “Don't worry. I'll reclaim what I lost in those years! I'll destroy the Garrison family in a month!”<br /> <br /> “Levi!” This time, even Zoey couldn't bear to listen to his nonsense any longer. “Can we be more realistic? It doesn't matter if you just get out of prison. Can't you just be down to earth and start anew? I believe that you will make a comeback one day, but you can't just indulge in tall talk. Do you know just how powerful the Garrison family is right now? And besides, today's era is a far cry from what it was six years ago!”<br /> <br /> “Zoey, trust me,” Levi said earnestly. “I can make the Garrison family bow at my feet with just a word!”<br /> <br /> Preposterous!<br /> <br /> Levi's bravado nearly drove Zoey and her parents round the bend.<br /> <br /> Having been caged up for six years, did he finally lose his mind?<br /> <br /> “Fine. If you say so,” Zoey said, shoving her mobile phone to Levi directly. “Then prove it! I'd like to see how you make the Garrison family bow their heads with just one word!”<br /> <br /> “I...”<br /> <br /> Levi was stunned.<br /> <br /> It was true that he could exterminate the Garrison family with his words, but he had given them one month; it would be too uneventful to destroy them now.<br /> <br /> “See, you can't do it, can't you? Then don't you ever talk big if you can't!”<br /> <br /> Zoey smashed the phone to the ground, marking her wrath.<br /> <br /> Following that, her parents pushed Levi away. “Go now. You're not welcome here. We've got a family banquet to attend!”<br /> <br /> “No. Mom, Dad, let him in!”<br /> <br /> “What do you mean, Zoey?”<br /> <br /> “I won't remarry. My husband is back.”<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> Aaron and Caitlyn couldn't talk her round, so they could only let him in.<br /> <br /> After that, Zoey took Levi to her bedroom.<br /> <br /> “Since you're back, you're still my husband. I don't care about the gossips. Besides, I believe you're innocent, and anyone with discerning eyes can see that it was the Garrison family who'd framed you!”<br /> <br /> Levi could feel the warmth in his heart.<br /> <br /> She trusted him, and that was more than enough for him.<br /> <br /> “But you must promise me to start from zero and be down to earth. I believe you will achieve something great with your ability! I'll give you five years!”<br /> <br /> “That's unnecessary,” Levi said. “Just give me one month. In a month, I'll de—”<br /> <br /> “Shut up! I don't want to listen to your nonsensical and unrealistic talks! Why can't we just be realistic?” Zoey shouted.<br /> <br /> “Even if you have nothing now, as long as you take one step at a time, I believe you'll get back on your feet!”<br /> <br /> Levi shut up obediently.<br /> <br /> “I bought you these six years ago.” Zoey took out a suit from the cupboard. “Change into it at once and follow me to the family banquet!”<br /> <br /> “Zoey, what is up with you?”<br /> <br /> Seeing Levi all dressed up, Aaron and Caitlyn were naturally dissatisfied.<br /> <br /> Zoey clung onto Levi's arm. “Mom, Dad, Levi is my husband now! I will make myself clear to Grandpa tonight!”<br /> <br /> Aaron and Caitlyn looked daggers at Levi, sighing helplessly, “For Heaven's sake!”<br /> <br /> The Lopez family banquet was held at Golden Port Restaurant, where they contracted the entire restaurant.<br /> <br /> Naturally, the Lopez family was not as powerful as the Garrison family, but they were considered above average in North Hampton.<br /> <br /> When Zoey and her family arrived at the main hall, they were greeted with strange and jesting gazes.<br /> <br /> In the past, when Zoey and Levi had gotten married, Aaron's family status was the highest in the Lopez family.<br /> <br /> But after Levi's downfall, Aaron's family had experienced a seismic shift in life, and their status in the Lopez family took a nosedive as they became the subject of ridicule, especially during family events.<br /> <br /> “Look! Is that Levi beside Zoey?”<br /> <br /> “Yeah! It's really him! He's released from prison already?”<br /> <br /> All eyes fell on Levi at once.<br /> <br /> Harry, the head of the Lopez family, snorted and turned a blind eye to the four of them.<br /> <br /> The old man's favorite now was Fabian, his eldest son, and his family.<br /> <br /> Mainly because Fabian's son-in-law, Samuel Robertson, was of mixed ethnicity who was born rich and had lived overseas.<br /> <br /> This time, Harry was going to set up Zoey with Samuel's younger brother, Chris, who had been casting covetous eyes on Zoey for some time now.<br /> <br /> With no one paying attention to them, Aaron and his family could only find a place to sit first.<br /> <br /> As they were about to take their seats, a voice was heard. “No, Aaron. You guys can't sit here.”<br /> <br /> It was a reminder from Henry, the second eldest son of the Lopez family.<br /> <br /> “What?”<br /> <br /> “There are sitting arrangements to the family banquet this time.”<br /> <br /> Aaron looked puzzled. “How so?”<br /> <br /> “There are four tables for the family banquet! And it's decided according to the family contribution!”<br /> <br /> “For example, the first table is given to the family who contributed over five million to the family in a year; a million for the second table, a hundred thousand for the third table, and less than a hundred thousand for the last table, or should I say no contribution at all!”<br /> <br /> Henry smiled smugly. “Our family has made good profits this year, and we've contributed just about five million to the family. So excuse me, but this table here is ours.”<br /> <br /> “Of course, you can also sit at the first table without contributing. That is if your family has tens of millions of assets.”<br /> <br /> “Unfortunately, we couldn't be any clearer about your family's situation,” sneered Maddison, Henry's wife. “Now that there's an ex-convict in your family, I'm sorry that you guys can only sit at the last table!”<br /> <br /> “Mom, Dad, as far as I know, Uncle Aaron and his family didn't contribute much to the family last year,” said Shaun, Henry's son, walking over with a glass in his hand. “Their company went bankrupt, and they even borrowed over two million from Grandpa. Clearly, it's a negative contribution. It's unfair to the relatives sitting at the fourth table! I say we add a fifth table for negative contributors!”<br /> <br /> “Yeah, I agree!”<br /> <br /> The rest of the Lopez family concurred.<br /> <br /> “Okay, we'll do as Shaun says! This shall motivate you people!”<br /> <br /> Harry gave his consent.<br /> <br /> “Hurry up and sit down. Don't just stand there and make a fool out of yourselves.” Harry glared at Aaron.<br /> <br /> With that, Aaron and his family walked over to the fifth table quietly.<br /> <br /> “Which table should a ten billion contributor sit at?” asked Levi suddenly, pulling Zoey's arm.<br /> <br /> Levi was the one and only five-star God of War, and wealth to him was just a number.<br /> <br /> In fact, he didn't know exactly how much he had, but he could still fork out ten billion casually for the family contribution on behalf of Aaron's family.<br /> <br /> As soon as Levi said that, everyone was stunned at his query.<br /> <br /> After a few moments of silence, the crowd blossomed into an enormous belly laugh.<br /> <br /> “Ten billion? You must be kidding me! Even the aristocratic Garrison family may not have that much money!”<br /> <br /> “This kid must have a loose screw in the head to come here and embarrass himself!”<br /> <br /> “Hey, Aaron. Did you know you have a son-in-law worth ten billion? Hahaha...”<br /> <br /> Sensing the jeering gazes and titter from the people around, Aaron and his family wished the ground could swallow them whole.<br /> <br /> This is embarrassing!<br /> <br /> Too embarrassing!<br /> <br /> Zoey's temper sparked, and her eyes blazed with rage.<br /> <br /> “Levi Garrison, is it not enough for you to talk big at home that you have to come here and embarrass me? Do you think you haven't done enough after all these years?”<br /> <br /> Zoey trembled as tears silently rolling down her cheeks.<br /> <br /> “But I do have ten billion!” Levi said helplessly.<br /> <br /> At this time, no one bothered to listen to Levi's sheer bull because the star of the day, Fabian's son-in-law, had arrived.<br /> <br /> Everyone, including Harry, went out to the entrance to greet him.<br /> <br /> “I'm sorry to keep everyone waiting.” Samuel wore an apologetic expression.<br /> <br /> “Your flight was nearly ten hours late. What's up with that?” Harry asked in concern.<br /> <br /> Samuel smiled. “Grandpa, don't you know? A big shot has arrived in North Hampton, and North Hampton Airport was sealed off for eight hours.”<br /> <br /> What? Is there such a thing?<br /> <br /> “Who's this big shot to have the airport sealed off, Samuel?” Harry asked smilingly.<br /> <br /> “It's not just that. It's said that a hundred planes escorted the private jet of that big shot, and there were a hundred thousand people guarding at the airport.”<br /> <br /> “Damn!”<br /> <br /> “What?”<br /> <br /> The crowd gasped in shock.<br /> <br /> “He's the commander-in-chief of nine military regions, the God of War of Erudia. Haha, you may not believe it if I say this, but I met this great man when I was at a gathering abroad, and we even exchanged numbers. I didn't expect him to take up a post in North Hampton! I'll ask him out sometime in support of the Lopez family. That way, you'll gain a foothold in North Hampton in no time,” Samuel said loftily.<br /> <br /> “God! That's incredible! How did you even get to know someone like him?”<br /> <br /> “My brother-in-law is so cool!”<br /> <br /> “The Lopez family's son-in-law is one of a kind! Of course, except for one!”<br /> <br /> Everyone looked at Samuel with veneration; the old man was all the more impressed, Aaron and Caitlyn begrudged Fabian's son-in-law, and Zoey was envious as well.<br /> <br /> But she believed that in five years, Levi, too, could make her grandfather proud.<br /> <br /> Yet, unbeknownst to them, Levi was actually barely stifling in his laughter.<br /> <br /> This kid is quite something to know that I've arrived.<br /> <br /> But his ability to make up nonsense is even more impressive.<br /> <br /> “You're saying you know the God of War?” Levi asked.<br /> <br /> Samuel raised his head. “Yeah, we had a drink together. Is there a problem?”<br /> <br /> Levi chuckled. “Then why don't I recognize you?”<br /> <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Due to the word limit, it can only be updated here<br /> Install the APP to search for the book title "The Return of the God of War" Read more exciting content immediately	LEARN_MORE	https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?	103138129056172	Hot style novel	https://facebook.com/100083332361004	9,359	5	1,821,533,191,647,120	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Hot style novel	120208744677910344	page.tapon.com	NONE	video		https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=5528&brand=3&app=0&ppid=1779&pid=FBW2A&campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&adset_id=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&ad_id=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium=%7B%7Bplacement%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bcampaign.id%7D%7D&utm_term=%7B%7Badset.id%7D%7D&utm_content=%7B%7Bad.id%7D%7D&ori_campaign_id=120205896062630344&ori_adset_id=120205896062730344&ori_ad_id=120205896068810344	2024-04-07 02:41	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436514955_1606557810097806_607637145061049556_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=91ne0JMgFTUAb7CuiEU&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfAhs2PKjVBRfS1A4fwApecm3pBUpuiQaVMffkpVVqC8Zw&oe=6618C7B1	person_profile	Hot style novel	https://scontent-dfw5-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436384300_1451891335764466_1497152335820890127_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zsO25lFSfYkAb7AJpUV&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-1.xx&oh=00_AfCikOnYK-q2EbKAMx8WmQ8DPa2-amr9ve4RFxmrdZZU4w&oe=6618ED9D	3	Hot style novel	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,011,112	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011111}'	No	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	386330640966225	Unlock Solutions for Pain & Inflammation!	Are you looking for the root cause of JOINT PAIN? ⭐ FREE WEBINAR on April 9th at 6PM CST!<br /> <br /> Break free from Joint Pain without surgery! We use regenerative treatments to RENEW + REBUILD joints and nerves damaged by injuries.<br /> <br /> Regenerative Medicine therapies deliver organic, non-surgical healing to mend and fortify joints and nerves, sometimes achievable in a single treatment with minimal downtime.<br /> <br /> This webinar by Dr. Al Richard, D.C. is perfect for men and women struggling with:<br /> <br /> 💥Knees + Ankles<br /> 💥Shoulders<br /> 💥Hips<br /> 💥Back + Neck<br /> 💥Nerve Pain + Weakness<br /> 💥Loss of mobility<br /> 💥Pain when walking<br /> 💥And more...<br /> <br /> Picture enjoying walks, hobbies, exercise and quality time with loved ones without any pain! Our method is REVOLUTIONARY!<br /> <br /> Registering for the webinar is simple:<br /> ✅ Click the link below and fill in your details<br /> ✅ You’ll receive a confirmation email/SMS<br /> <br /> Register here⬇️<br /> <br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgonsteadchiropractic.easywebinar.live%2Fregistration-6&h=AT1CMUSJxhHZ1nWZaS_AeZp3fqLUo2yJ3CSRwNz_nabi47YL4C7d22JfSitIuTQ7IWcVn_p_9TS_5miKXSMOuGobJ4wguye3bfjA8xIAIMHC3T_5zxCsdTwXVsWrUayB_C0t8G4FpyzAawCcZNDdLw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://gonsteadchiropractic.easywebinar.live/registration-6</a>	SIGN_UP	https://gonsteadchiropractic.easywebinar.live/regi	19858899029	Gonstead Chiropractic & Wellness ATX	https://facebook.com/gonsteadatx	226	1	448,123,404,419,688	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Sign up	Gonstead Chiropractic & Wellness ATX	6608954994596	gonsteadchiropractic.easywebinar.live	NONE	image	If you keep hearing this from your doctor, it's time for a different approach to your joint pain. Are you looking for a completely different approach to healthcare? One that addresses the problem naturally, at the level of cause?	https://gonsteadchiropractic.easywebinar.live/registration-6	2024-04-07 11:17	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434872209_792533319459691_4601430916167568051_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N46-zPk8GLMAb5Zkrbl&_nc_oc=Adgs24UVL7jGy6rDOgJaomPQdTWJ4o6A5CXRiYKqfbsam-OiJY-CLmoLnOZsPb7djqY&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBGAUi7OtTzvzK8Xtl7VvpWx-vzo4WsGErTbh8BfiGiwg&oe=6618E0B9	person_profile	Gonstead Chiropractic & Wellness ATX	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434563247_969817981321008_2535478835772548223_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yonyvKIxC3oAb4Iogd_&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD2INtbQTgMx3IEMKO9LGSifA7jeqe0r5-pSJvv6sVooQ&oe=6618CDD9	3	Gonstead Chiropractic & Wellness ATX	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,011,136	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	316273758151725	🔥😍Free reading with Title👉"Blind to Love"👉	For so many years, the birthmark remained unchanged. So, why did it suddenly shrink today?<br /> What did she do differently from last night till now?<br /> Xeyla furrowed her brows and pondered for a moment, then suddenly widened her eyes.<br /> Last night,She had sex with a man for the first time…🔥🔥🔥<br /> <br /> -------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /> Xeyla McLean never expect to stumble upon her fiancé's affair when she returned to the company to get something.<br /> <br /> Hearing the moan coming from an office, she initially suspected that one of her artistes was behaving indecently. Just as she was about to knock on the door, she heard a coquettish voice ask, "Cain, when can we be together openly?"<br /> <br /> Xeyla was stunned.<br /> <br /> The voice seemed to be Pheona Irving's.<br /> <br /> Pheona was the most popular artiste under her management, and "Cain" was Xeyla's fiancé, Cain Irving.<br /> <br /> But... how could that be possible?<br /> <br /> Xeyla thought that she must have misheard it.<br /> <br /> She couldn't help but shake her head in denial.<br /> <br /> "Honey, be a little more patient." The man's tone was lazy. Unmistakably, it was Cain. "The company has just gotten on track. We still need her for many things."<br /> <br /> "Alright then." After a snort, Pheona added smugly, "She would never have thought that I'm not your sister actually."<br /> <br /> What?<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Xeyla felt dizzy. Not only did her mind go blank, but her ears were buzzing too.<br /> <br /> By the time she had regained her composure, the conversation in the office had ended. However, she was constantly reminded of the reality as her temples throbbed.<br /> <br /> She didn't imagine it, nor was it a dream. It was all real.<br /> <br /> Three years ago, Xeyla and Cain founded Starlight Entertainment together. And immediately, Cain signed Pheona and introduced Pheona as his sister. Xeyla believed it wholeheartedly and put all her efforts into making Pheona the most popular actress in the entertainment industry.<br /> <br /> But now, it turned out that the two had been deceiving her all along!<br /> <br /> Xeyla trembled violently not only because of heartache and humiliation but also anger.<br /> <br /> Tears dripped down her face, and she had to cover her mouth desperately to prevent herself from sobbing out loud.<br /> <br /> She couldn't let the two find out that she was there. If she confronted them now, it would be too easy for them!<br /> <br /> Thinking of the emotions and efforts that she had invested in the past three years, Xeyla wiped away her tears resolutely and left the company quietly.<br /> <br /> When Xeyla got home, she immediately played the surveillance video of the office.<br /> <br /> Cain and Pheona probably never expected that she had just installed surveillance cameras in every office a few days ago. Ironically, Pheona was part of the reason why the cameras were installed. Nevertheless, Xeyla didn't expect the cameras to come in handy so soon.<br /> <br /> Perhaps it was destiny that she finally saw the truth now, as she had been deceived for so long. Xeyla thought to herself self-deprecatingly.<br /> <br /> In the video, Pheona's face soon came into sight. She had her eyes closed. Her face was flushed, and she was tightly embracing Cain.<br /> <br /> Perhaps because Xeyla's heart was already numb from the pain, she was surprisingly calm at the sight of it.<br /> <br /> Without further ado, she quickly cut out this part of the video and copied it to her external hard drive.<br /> <br /> After doing all this, she went to the bathroom and washed away the icy tears on her face.<br /> <br /> When she looked up into the mirror, a pale yet pretty face came into sight.<br /> <br /> However, anyone who saw her face would exclaim with pity.<br /> <br /> And that was because there was a red birthmark, about the size of a baby's palm, on her right cheek.<br /> <br /> It was precisely because of this birthmark that she believed in Cain's sweet words in the first place back then.<br /> <br /> And it was also because of this birthmark that, no matter how talented Xeyla was, she could only be relegated to the backstage.<br /> <br /> Otherwise, why would she pour all her heart and soul into Pheona by working tirelessly to help Pheona secure a role, staying up late countless times to select scripts, writing character insights, and even drinking until her stomach bled?<br /> <br /> But now, all her efforts for Cain and Pheona had become a joke.<br /> <br /> Only now did she understand why Pheona had always been hostile to her for no reason and why Pheona always hung around Cain close. Several times, she even saw the two embracing each other in intimacy.<br /> <br /> Yet, Xeyla always thought that it was normal for them to have such a close tie since they were siblings.<br /> <br /> Siblings, tsk.<br /> <br /> At the thought of that, Xeyla clenched her fists with unknown emotions burning in her eyes.<br /> <br /> At this moment, her phone, which was placed by the sink, rang.<br /> <br /> Seeing the caller ID "Cain" on the screen, Xeyla bit her lip.<br /> <br /> She calmed down her emotions before answering lightly, "Hello."<br /> <br /> "Where are you?" Cain asked with rudeness in his tone. "Haven't you been contacting Elias, the director of 'The Tales of Annika,' lately? How is it? Has he agreed to cast Pheona as the female lead?"<br /> <br /> The television series, "The Tales of Annika," was invested in by TS Group, a leading enterprise in the country. TS Group's businesses span multiple industries, such as finance, communications, real estate, e-commerce, etc. Evidently, the enterprise had abundant resources.<br /> <br /> Cain had always wanted to meet the heir of TS Group, Fletcher O'Neill, who was also the current executive president. Unfortunately, Fletcher had been low-key and mysterious. Even though Cain was the president of Starlight Entertainment, his business card was still far from enough to be passed to Fletcher.<br /> <br /> Hence, Cain needed to use the tv series to establish a relationship with TS Group. Needless to say, he attached great importance to the series as a result.<br /> <br /> Xeyla was well aware of his intentions. Therefore, lately, she had been meeting with the director of the series, Elias Van Dahl, frequently. Last night, Elias finally agreed to give Pheona another chance.<br /> <br /> Prior to discovering the office affair, Xeyla was confident that Pheona would get the role. But now...<br /> <br /> "Oh, Elias still hasn't changed his mind. He is still not satisfied with Pheona's performance in the audition," replied Xeyla faintly, trying not to let her tone show any unusualness.<br /> <br /> "Ugh, this man!" Cain hissed angrily. "In that case, we must make sure that the Newington Awards tonight is flawless. If Pheona wins the Best Actress for Television Series, Elias will change his mind for sure! Now, you should go find out what the organizers and judges think."<br /> <br /> It was only at this moment that Xeyla realized that whenever Cain called her, he always spoke in a high-handed and condescending tone.<br /> <br /> She clenched her fists and looked at herself in the mirror, slowly showing a smile. "Sure."<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> At 5 o'clock in the evening, the red carpet event began.<br /> <br /> The venue tonight was packed with celebrities. Since Pheona had high popularity lately, she was one of the last few to make an entrance.<br /> <br /> Next to the red carpet, among the audience, Xeyla was wearing a mask and not attracting any attention.<br /> <br /> Soon, Pheona, dressed up in her best outfit, entered the venue. She held Cain's arm, smiling as she walked up the red carpet.<br /> <br /> The cheers were deafening. It was no surprise since Pheona was the most eye-catching actress of the year.<br /> <br /> "Wow. That must be Pheona Irving and her brother, Cain Irving!" An audience next to Xeyla continued to shout excitedly, "Ah, she's so lucky! Her brother is the president of the company, and the company has been providing her with so many good opportunities! No wonder her popularity has skyrocketed in recent years!"<br /> <br /> Xeyla heard the words. Something flashed across her eyes.<br /> <br /> Indeed, Starlight Entertainment had given all the best resources to Pheona. Not to mention that as her agent, Xeyla also worked painstakingly hard for Pheona.<br /> <br /> Every one of Pheona's roles was carefully selected by Xeyla. In fact, in order to leave a good impression on the directors, Xeyla would always explain the script to Pheona beforehand and rehearse with the latter repeatedly, which ultimately helped Pheona establish a reputation as a skilled actor in the industry.<br /> <br /> Despite all of this, Pheona would occasionally throw tantrums. At those times, Xeyla treated Pheona like a younger sister and would patiently coax her.<br /> <br /> whenever there were dangerous scenes on set, Xeyla would always stand in as a stunt double for her. But during the show's promotion, Xeyla never took credit for it. Instead, she portrayed Pheona as a dedicated and hardworking actress, which earned Pheona countless fans.<br /> <br /> If it hadn't been for Xeyla's efforts, Pheona wouldn't have accumulated such a huge fan base in just three years.<br /> <br /> Reputation and good impression were hard to be built up, but they were easy to be destroyed. Sometimes, they could be ruined with just a single video.<br /> <br /> Chapter 2 The Sex Tape<br /> <br /> At 7 o'clock in the evening, the award ceremony officially began.<br /> <br /> Pheona was still immersed in the excitement of walking the red carpet. She whispered to the man beside her, "Cain, the cheers were the loudest when I came out."<br /> <br /> "Exactly, my superstar." Cain smiled indulgently. But subconsciously, he was scanning the surroundings. "Strange. Where's Xeyla? She hasn't been answering her phone."<br /> <br /> A trace of disgust flashed in Pheona's eyes. "Cain, can we not talk about her?"<br /> <br /> "She went to scout for information. We aren't sure whether the judges have picked you," explained Cain with his brows furrowed slightly.<br /> <br /> "Well, who else can they pick?" With a cold snort, Pheona continued, "Cain, I honestly don't think she's all that great. Even without her, I'll still become famous."<br /> <br /> Cain just smiled noncommittally and turned his gaze towards the stage.<br /> <br /> As time ticked by, it was finally time for the Best Actress for Television Series.<br /> <br /> The highlights of the nominees' performances from their respective shows were being played one by one on a big screen. When it was the turn of the last nominee, Pheona, the screen flickered strangely twice.<br /> <br /> Then, Pheona's flushed face suddenly was shown on the screen.<br /> <br /> At first, everyone was dumbfounded. The venue fell into an eerie silence. Some even wondered when Pheona, who had always taken innocent roles, had filmed a sex scene.<br /> <br /> Even Pheona herself was dumbfounded at first, only staring at her face on the screen with surprise. The video had no sound, but her entranced expression was enough to explain everything.<br /> <br /> Immediately right after that, a man appeared in the video. Due to the angle, only his side profile could be seen. However, Cain immediately recognized the man's identity.<br /> <br /> It was no one but himself!<br /> <br /> "Stop it!" He stood up abruptly and roared, "Stop the video now!"<br /> <br /> By now, Pheona had also realized what was happening. Her face turned ashen in an instant.<br /> <br /> All the celebrities, reporters, and audience in the venue finally responded to the situation. There was an uproar. Many took out their phones and cameras to film the video frantically.<br /> <br /> It was a sex tape!<br /> <br /> The woman in the tape was Pheona, a rising goddess and tonight's favorite for the Best Actress award.<br /> <br /> As for the man in the video, his identity was originally unknown to the public. But when Cain stood up and shouted frantically, everyone suddenly realized that the man was very likely to be Cain.<br /> <br /> What a shock!<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Somehow, no one paused the video, and the tape was played for more than ten seconds. So, Cain rushed backstage like crazy.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, sitting in the audience, Xeyla silently laughed at the sight of his erratic behavior.<br /> <br /> Using the local area network to replace Pheona's performance video with the tape was an easy task for her.<br /> <br /> And this was just the beginning.<br /> <br /> Taking advantage of the chaos in the venue, Xeyla quietly left. She went to the riverside with a six-pack of beers.<br /> <br /> Although she had a good alcohol tolerance, for some reason, she became a bit drunk after drinking for a while tonight.<br /> <br /> She took out her phone and saw that social media was taken over by the shocking news.<br /> <br /> Mockingly, she curled her lips.<br /> <br /> Revenge may be satisfying, but she still felt aggrieved at the thought of the emotions and efforts that she had wrongly invested.<br /> <br /> She had thought that Cain could provide her with a home, but the reality proved her wrong. In the end, she was still alone.<br /> <br /> Because of the birthmark on her face, she would never be able to fulfill her dreams. What now? Did she have to work with another Cain and Pheona?<br /> <br /> Xeyla gave a bitter laugh and turned off her phone.<br /> <br /> Tonight, she didn't want anyone to reach her, let alone have Cain find her.<br /> <br /> Therefore, she couldn't go back to her apartment for the time being.<br /> <br /> With that in mind, Xeyla hailed a taxi and went to Majestic Hotel, where she booked a room.<br /> <br /> When she walked into the elevator with her room card, her steps were already unsteady.<br /> <br /> The effect of intoxication hit her fast.<br /> <br /> She swiped her room card in the elevator, pressed the floor button, then closed her eyes and massaged her sore temples.<br /> <br /> Soon, the elevator doors opened.<br /> <br /> Xeyla looked up and then stared blankly for a while.<br /> <br /> Somehow, the elevator took her directly to the living room of a suite, which had a low-key but luxurious decoration, a dazzling crystal chandelier, and warm yellow lights.<br /> <br /> Without a doubt, this was the hotel's presidential suite.<br /> <br /> But she clearly booked a regular room.<br /> <br /> Xeyla lowered her head and stared blankly at her room card, but she didn't find anything wrong.<br /> <br /> She just wanted to rest now.<br /> <br /> So, she stumbled a few steps inside and then, subconsciously, held her breath.<br /> <br /> There was a man sitting on the sofa not far away.<br /> <br /> It was a very handsome man.<br /> <br /> He had his eyes closed. His sharp eyebrows were slightly furrowed with a hint of coldness. Under his tall and straight nose, his crimson thin lips were tightly pursed, as if he was trying to hold something back.<br /> <br /> There was a cold and unwelcoming aura emanating from him.<br /> <br /> One of his hands was resting on the armrest, whereas the other was propping up his forehead. With his bathrobe collars opened, his exquisite clavicles and clear muscle lines were revealed.<br /> <br /> Perhaps he was uncomfortable. His Adam's apple moved up and down. His jaw to neckline was tense, and he was full of sexiness.<br /> <br /> Seeing that, Xeyla couldn't help but hold her breath.<br /> <br /> As an excellent agent, she had a sharp sense that if the man was willing to enter the entertainment industry, he would definitely be popular.<br /> <br /> No, this isn't the point. The point is that the room is clearly mine.<br /> <br /> Staggeringly, Xeyla approached the man and tried to be imposing. "Excuse me, this is—"<br /> <br /> Before she could finish, the man suddenly opened his eyes.<br /> <br /> Those were a pair of deep and cold eyes. His pitch-black pupils seemed bottomless as if they could draw one's soul into them.<br /> <br /> Xeyla's words were stuck in her throat.<br /> <br /> "Get out." The man calmly spat out the words. His deep voice was very hoarse.<br /> <br /> Xeyla blinked her eyes repeatedly.<br /> <br /> Under the continuous influence of alcohol, her reaction was slow.<br /> <br /> "Are… are you feeling unwell?" The influence of the alcohol was so strong that Xeyla found it difficult to straighten her tongue.<br /> <br /> "No." Fletcher's eyebrows were knitted together, and his handsome face was filled with gloom. "Get out."<br /> <br /> After being drugged by his grandfather, Steve O'Neill, with an aphrodisiac, Fletcher decided to stay at a hotel nearby. Despite having taken several cold showers, he could still feel the heat and desire in his body. So now, he could only wait for the drug effects to wear off.<br /> <br /> Earlier, he had dismissed his bodyguards and assistants. He didn't expect that a clueless woman would barge in.<br /> <br /> "No, you must be having a fever." With her arms extended, Xeyla wanted to help him. "Why don't I take you to the hospital to check it out—ah!"<br /> <br /> Her steps were unsteady, and with a loss of balance, she fell straight into his arms.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 One-Night Stand<br /> <br /> Xeyla's senses were immediately filled with the strong scent of male hormones, and under the catalysis of alcohol, she was dizzy and disoriented.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, Fletcher couldn't help himself and grabbed her wrist.<br /> <br /> Initially, he had intended to push her away. But when her soft body landed in his embrace, he felt as if blood was boiling.<br /> <br /> Her body fragrance was mixed with a hint of alcohol. It was a fatal stimulation to every nerve in his body.<br /> <br /> He couldn't help but curse in his heart.<br /> <br /> "Sorry." Embarrassedly, Xeyla got up from him. But under the influence of alcohol, she stumbled again. Once again, she fell onto his lap.<br /> <br /> Fletcher's breathing became heavier.<br /> <br /> "If you don't want to lose your V card, get lost," he warned slowly. His voice was quite husky.<br /> <br /> Tilting her head, Xeyla thought for a while before realizing what he meant.<br /> <br /> In the past three years, she had never done any intimate stuff with Cain, which she had always thought was a tacit understanding between her and Cain.<br /> <br /> But now, she finally came to the realization that Cain didn't like her at all. Hence, he had been deceiving her like she was a fool.<br /> <br /> There was a sudden twinge of pain in her heart. She reached out to hug Fletcher's neck, staring straight at him with a misty look in her eyes. "Perhaps… I want to!"<br /> <br /> Fletcher's pupils slightly contracted.<br /> <br /> It was only at this moment that he saw her face clearly for the first time.<br /> <br /> She had obviously drunk a lot of alcohol, as her charming eyes were watery and full of drunkenness. Under her slightly upturned nose lay her alluring pink lips.<br /> <br /> Undeniably, she was attractive.<br /> <br /> Her face was delicate and pretty, whereas her skin was as white as snow.<br /> <br /> Therefore, the bright red birthmark on her right cheek stood out even more. However, although the birthmark was abrupt, it was not ugly. Instead, it had a peculiar charm.<br /> <br /> Gulping, Fletcher couldn't help but reach out to touch her cheek.<br /> <br /> Xeyla felt him caressing her face and couldn't help but giggle.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Fletcher came to his senses. Narrowing his gaze, he asked in a hoarse and dangerous tone, "Do you know what you're saying?"<br /> <br /> "I know. I want to have sex with you." She sounded proud.<br /> <br /> With his pupils contracted and the veins on the back of his hand bulging out, he grabbed her hand. His breathing became extremely heavy.<br /> <br /> "It's okay." She comforted him insincerely. Then, licking her lips, she cupped his face and stared straight at his thin lips.<br /> <br /> Right now, Fletcher's handsome face was already covered in sweat.<br /> <br /> When he realized her intentions, he decisively pinned her down on the sofa.<br /> <br /> She let out a painful cry and looked a little aggrieved.<br /> <br /> Gulping, Fletcher tried to slow down his disordered breathing. He looked down at the woman on the sofa and hesitated for a moment. Eventually, he took a blanket from the backrest of the sofa and covered her body. "Close your eyes and sleep."<br /> <br /> She had a room card in her hand. Apparently, there was a mistake on the hotel's part.<br /> <br /> Otherwise, he would have thrown her out.<br /> <br /> He turned around to leave, but her soft arms were wrapped around him right then.<br /> <br /> Xeyla pressed her burning cheek against his back. Her voice was low and soft. "Don't go."<br /> <br /> "Let go." Fletcher's tone was tinged with a bit of anger.<br /> <br /> "No." Still clung onto him tightly, she pleaded, "Stay, please."<br /> <br /> At this moment, with a chaotic mind, she had no time to ponder about his identity, nor did she care about where she was. She only knew that his breath made her feel very comfortable.<br /> <br /> Perhaps it was because she had been drinking. At this moment, she felt very lonely and couldn't help but want to keep the warmth, even if it was short-lived and unreal.<br /> <br /> Hearing her pitiful voice, Fletcher paused for a moment.<br /> <br /> He had always been aloof and quite impatient with women. Tonight, his grandfather not only drugged him but also specially prepared a woman for him. Just now, even when the drug effect was at its strongest, he could still push away the woman arranged by his grandfather for him. But now, his determination was somewhat weak against this other woman behind him.<br /> <br /> Exerting all his self-control, he grabbed her wrist and turned around. His handsome face was filled with an extraordinary level of restraint. "Lie down."<br /> <br /> Xeyla blinked. Soon, her eyes turned red from aggrievement. "Do you think I'm ugly too?"<br /> <br /> Because of the birthmark, growing up, she had been ridiculed. So when Cain said he didn't mind, she felt like she had found true love.<br /> <br /> But thinking about it now, in the past three years, Cain hardly showed her any affection and rarely looked her in the eye.<br /> <br /> In fact, he had always despised her. Sadly, she only realized it now.<br /> <br /> Therefore, just like Cain, the man in front of her must be despising her too. He rejected her when she asked for sex.<br /> <br /> She was really pathetic.<br /> <br /> Thinking of that, she lowered her head. She seemed lost and sad.<br /> <br /> At the sight of that, Fletcher felt that part of his heart was tugged badly.<br /> <br /> With his lips pursed, he answered in a tense voice. "No."<br /> <br /> When Xeyla heard his deep and hoarse voice, somehow, she couldn't stop feeling wronged. Her tears fell uncontrollably. "Don't leave then."<br /> <br /> Her figure and look were charming and delicate. But at this moment, she seemed like a homeless little animal, with cautious yearning and attachment.<br /> <br /> As if at this moment, his acceptance could save her.<br /> <br /> Fletcher felt a certain string in his mind suddenly break.<br /> <br /> Lowering himself, he grabbed her chin and said in a low-pitched voice, "Don't regret it."<br /> <br /> "Of course not!" Xeyla realized that he had changed his mind. She broke down in tears and buried herself in his arms. "You're a good man!"<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> When Xeyla woke up, her mouth was dry, and her head felt like splitting.<br /> <br /> Not to mention that her body was in pain everywhere.<br /> <br /> She struggled to sit up from the bed, rubbing her temples as memories flooded back into her mind.<br /> <br /> Last night, she successfully took revenge on Cain, but that wasn't the point. The point was... she seemed to have gone to the wrong hotel room and had sex with a stranger.<br /> <br /> Joylessly, she ran her hand through her hair.<br /> <br /> She felt very embarrassed.<br /> <br /> She didn't expect herself to reveal such a fragile side after getting drunk. And she even had casual sex with a random man.<br /> <br /> Vaguely, she remembered that the man only agreed to stay after her begging and tears.<br /> <br /> It was as if he was doing this for her out of pity.<br /> <br /> Thinking of that, Xeyla felt even more embarrassed.<br /> <br /> However, since she was the one who took the initiative, she stopped acting sentimental.<br /> <br /> With a sigh, she calmed down and dragged her body to the bathroom while enduring the soreness. When she looked down and saw the marks on her body, she couldn't help but blush.<br /> <br /> She didn't dare to look any longer and hurriedly finished washing up. Later, coming out of the bathroom, she found a set of new clothes on a cabinet.<br /> <br /> It seemed that the man was quite considerate. Xeyla believed that to avoid awkwardness, the man must have already left the hotel by now.<br /> <br /> As she thought so confidently, she walked out of the bedroom and into the living room.<br /> <br /> Only then did she realize that she was wrong.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4 The Shrinking Birthmark<br /> <br /> The living room was huge, and the floor-to-ceiling windows were wide open. When the breeze came, it brought a chill.<br /> <br /> Xeyla looked up and saw Fletcher sitting behind a long table.<br /> <br /> In the daylight, his angular and handsome face was even more impactful. Xeyla couldn't help but hold her breath subconsciously.<br /> <br /> Although his short hair was slightly disheveled, his tidy white shirt was buttoned all the way up. It gave him an extra air of nobility and restraint, as well as a chilly aura that kept people at bay.<br /> <br /> At this moment, he was holding a tablet in his right hand and tapping something on the screen with his left hand. His fingers were long, and his knuckles were clean and distinct. Against the backdrop of the high-tech tablet, they looked particularly pretty.<br /> <br /> Xeyla's heartbeat accelerated.<br /> <br /> Perhaps hearing some noise, Fletcher put down the tablet in his hand and looked up. His gaze fell directly on her.<br /> <br /> Those pitch-black, deep eyes were filled with lofty and cold arrogance. Yet, they had a calm and confident look. It was as if she was just prey and destined to never escape his grasp.<br /> <br /> Her heart tightened. Under such a gaze, she could hardly stand.<br /> <br /> "Um..." She coughed lightly, trying to calm herself down. "I apologize for last night. I'll take my leave now."<br /> <br /> At the same time, Fletcher gazed at her pretending composed look with a deep and meaningful expression, as if he saw through her hidden panic.<br /> <br /> "Come here." Although his voice was faint, it carried an irresistible dominance.<br /> <br /> Instinctively, Xeyla walked over and sat across from him.<br /> <br /> "Take a look. If you're good with it, sign it." He lightly tapped on the table.<br /> <br /> Now that he mentioned it, she noticed the document on the table. She glanced at it quickly, then gasped.<br /> <br /> "Fl-Fletcher O'Neill?" she asked, stuttering. "You're Fletcher O'Neill?!"<br /> <br /> She couldn't believe it.<br /> <br /> Did I have sex with the Fletcher O'Neill last night?!<br /> <br /> And this mysterious and legendary figure is actually so young, and… very good-looking!<br /> <br /> She was so shocked by what she had just learned that she couldn't recover her senses for a long time.<br /> <br /> With her eyes widened and her mouth slightly agape, she appeared a bit silly.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, Fletcher was very pleased by her reaction. He picked up his coffee and took a sip. Something flashed in his gaze. "Keep reading."<br /> <br /> Xeyla turned the page and finally saw the content of the agreement.<br /> <br /> "Y-You w-wanna get married to me?!" she stammered.<br /> <br /> With a dull thud, Fletcher put down his cup on the table. Then, his cold and unquestionable voice sounded. "Yes."<br /> <br /> At that moment, Xeyla thought of many things.<br /> <br /> For one, Cain had mentioned Fletcher's name many times with enthusiasm. Cain had been hoping to get investment from TS Group. If Cain learned that the fiancée whom he had been looking down upon married Fletcher, the look on Cain's face would be very interesting.<br /> <br /> Besides, Fletcher had enormous wealth and power. It was hard for Xeyla to say no.<br /> <br /> Nonetheless, she soon regained her rationality.<br /> <br /> What do I have that this man would look at me differently? All we had is just a one-night stand. With his money and status, he can have any woman he wants.<br /> <br /> Besides, there's still this unsightly birthmark on my face. Because of this birthmark, many men would subconsciously look away when they see me for the first time.<br /> <br /> Fletcher might have agreed to fool around with me last night due to his goodwill. But, getting married?<br /> <br /> It must be a trick!<br /> <br /> Thinking of that, Xeyla closed the document and said seriously, "I'm sorry. I can't sign this."<br /> <br /> Fletcher's pupils dilated slightly. He did not expect her to turn him down.<br /> <br /> His grandfather had been desiring to see him get married and have children. So, if he didn't find a woman to marry soon, it seemed that his grandfather would continue to seek ways to do so. Drugging him like last night was just the beginning.<br /> <br /> Therefore, when Fletcher woke up this morning and saw Xeyla's peaceful sleeping look, he suddenly had this thought that if he absolutely had to marry someone casually, why not chose Xeyla?<br /> <br /> Most importantly, her scent had a certain appeal to him. If it was her, perhaps he wouldn't be repulsed.<br /> <br /> But now, she refused his marriage proposal.<br /> <br /> It was she who pleaded with him to stay last night with a pitiful look. How dare she refused his proposal after that!<br /> <br /> But when Fletcher saw Xeyla's determined look, his gaze darkened.<br /> <br /> His fingers lightly tapped on the table, and with each tap, Xeyla's heart raced a little faster.<br /> <br /> "I… don't think that's a good idea…" answered Xeyla in difficulty. Deep down, she was feeling guilty though.<br /> <br /> It seemed that Fletcher was upset.<br /> <br /> "Tsk."<br /> <br /> He snorted. His tone carried a hint of coldness and mockery.<br /> <br /> Both of Xeyla's hands were trembling slightly, and she couldn't bring herself to look at his expression. In fact, for a brief moment, she even wanted to give in and sign the agreement.<br /> <br /> Eventually, Fletcher said in a faint tone, "You can go now."<br /> <br /> Xeyla was surprised.<br /> <br /> "Anything else?" He looked up at her.<br /> <br /> "Nothing." With an awkward chuckle, she got up without hesitation. "I'll leave now."<br /> <br /> After leaving the hotel, Xeyla managed to hail a cab and said to the driver, "Rosewood Mansion."<br /> <br /> Then, she let out a sigh of relief, though her heart was still thumping fast.<br /> <br /> It wasn't her fault for being easily intimidated. The oppressive presence given off by Fletcher was just too strong. If she hadn't spent three years in the entertainment industry, where she had been exposed to grand spectacles, she might have surrendered long ago.<br /> <br /> As for that random and bizarre marriage proposal, it was right for her to reject it.<br /> <br /> After all, someone like Fletcher was way out of her league.<br /> <br /> Soon, the cab arrived at Rosewood Mansion.<br /> <br /> Returning to her own little apartment, Xeyla could finally relax.<br /> <br /> Then, she recalled that the sex tape of Pheona and Cain was played at yesterday's awards ceremony.<br /> <br /> She had turned off her phone for more than ten hours now and felt like she was completely cut off from the world, which was a wonderful feeling.<br /> <br /> She knew without a doubt that many must have called her since last night, but she had no intention of dealing with them.<br /> <br /> Upon entering the bathroom, she looked at herself in the mirror.<br /> <br /> The birthmark on her right cheek was still there, and it even appeared more vibrant than before.<br /> <br /> A hint of melancholy crossed Xeyla's eyes, but in the next moment, she froze.<br /> <br /> Something wasn't right.<br /> <br /> Since she looked at the mirror every day, she was intimately familiar with the shape and size of the birthmark. She was absolutely certain that today the birthmark appeared smaller by a whole round.<br /> <br /> At the realization of that, she rubbed her eyes and leaned in closer to the mirror to observe carefully for a while. Then, her heart began to race.<br /> <br /> Indeed, the birthmark had undeniably shrunk. It wasn't her imagination!<br /> <br /> The change would mean that one day the birthmark could completely vanish.<br /> <br /> She would be freed from all the limitations the birthmark had imposed on her and could finally step in front of the camera to make all her dreams come true!<br /> <br /> With the surge of thoughts in her mind, she felt her blood boil with excitement.<br /> <br /> But…<br /> <br /> For so many years, the birthmark remained unchanged. So, why did it suddenly shrink today?<br /> <br /> What did she do differently from last night till now?<br /> <br /> Xeyla furrowed her brows and pondered for a moment, then suddenly widened her eyes.<br /> <br /> Last night…<br /> <br /> She had sex with a man for the first time.<br /> <br /> Yes, this must be it! This must be the reason why the birthmark has become smaller! It can only be for this reason!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5 Holding a Press Conference<br /> <br /> Xeyla was caught up in a huge frenzy. For so many years, she had already given up hope. Who would have thought that the birthmark was somewhat similar to a mark which some women wore to indicate their virginity?<br /> <br /> And there was one more crucial point.<br /> <br /> To make the birthmark disappear, could she just have sex with any man? Or did it have to be Fletcher only?<br /> <br /> If having sex with any man would work, it would be fine. But if it had to be Fletcher only...<br /> <br /> At the thought of that, Xeyla regretted it so much that she wanted to go back in time.<br /> <br /> She should have signed the marriage contract just now. If she had signed it, she could have found a legitimate reason to sleep with him, and perhaps it wouldn't take long for the birthmark to disappear completely.<br /> <br /> But now...<br /> <br /> Thinking of Fletcher's distant and aloof demeanor, Xeyla almost had zero hope.<br /> <br /> With his status and the fact that he had already given her a chance, he probably wouldn't be willing to give her another chance.<br /> <br /> Even if he was willing, it was almost impossible for her to see him again, given their vastly different statuses.<br /> <br /> Her hope that had just risen was crushed. She couldn't just have sex with a random man to test out her hypothesis.<br /> <br /> Xeyla knocked her head against the mirror in frustration.<br /> <br /> But no matter what, she finally found a way to make the birthmark disappear.<br /> <br /> Xeyla's eyes lit up again with a sudden burst of excitement.<br /> <br /> Just a few minutes ago, she was still extremely uncertain about her future.<br /> <br /> Now, she had goals.<br /> <br /> One of them was to sleep with Fletcher.<br /> <br /> And the other one was to get back control of Starlight Entertainment.<br /> <br /> She wanted Cain and Pheona to repay everything they owed her. Considering her understanding of Cain, she knew very well that a sex tape wouldn't be sufficient to bring him down.<br /> <br /> Thinking of that, Xeyla went to the living room and took out her phone.<br /> <br /> As soon as she turned on the phone, the notifications of messages kept popping up.<br /> <br /> She took a look and saw that Cain had probably called her more than a hundred times since last night.<br /> <br /> In addition, many reporters whom she knew in the circle, as well as her colleagues and top executives of the company, had also called her.<br /> <br /> It seemed that last night's video had caused quite a stir.<br /> <br /> Just as she was about to check her social media, Cain's call came in.<br /> <br /> She answered it.<br /> <br /> "Xeyla!" Cain almost roared. "Where did you go? Have you heard what happened last night?"<br /> <br /> Hearing that, Xeyla was somewhat surprised. It seemed that Cain hadn't suspected her at all.<br /> <br /> "I wasn't feeling well after I arrived at the venue, so I came home early to rest. I had no idea that my phone ran out of battery. I just managed to turn it on. What happened?" she asked with a light tone.<br /> <br /> Cain seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief. "Xeyla, no matter what you see, don't believe it. Pheona and I have been framed."<br /> <br /> "What?" exclaimed Xeyla in surprise.<br /> <br /> To be fair, she got to applaud herself for her acting skills.<br /> <br /> "In any case, come to the company as soon as possible. We'll hold a press conference in an hour, and we need you to be our spokesperson. The sooner you come, the better!" he urged.<br /> <br /> "Okay, I'll be there right away." Upon saying that, Xeyla hung up the phone for the first time.<br /> <br /> Just then, another call came in. It was her colleague, Leo Marsh.<br /> <br /> She answered the call.<br /> <br /> "Xeyla! Thank goodness you finally picked up the phone!" Quickly, Leo described the event last night before updating her on the current situation. "Cain released a statement in the name of the company this morning, saying that the two in the video are not him and Pheona, but just two random people who resemble them. But clearly, this explanation isn't convincing enough, so he's planning for you to step out to clarify for him and Pheona. Xeyla, don't go. Cain is using you!"<br /> <br /> Hearing that, Xeyla asked in surprise, "Leo, why do you say that?"<br /> <br /> "I always felt that something was off between him and Pheona since before. So when I saw that video, I knew for sure that those two had something going on!" Leo continued urgently, "Xeyla, I know you're hurt, but you must believe me. Cain—"<br /> <br /> "I believe you." Xeyla cut him off. "Leo, don't worry. I know everything."<br /> <br /> A warm feeling rose in her heart. There were still people in the company who truly cared about her.<br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Leo seemed to take a breath. "So last night's event… Ah! I get it now! Well, I'm looking forward to the press conference later, ha-ha-ha."<br /> <br /> Xeyla smiled and hung up.<br /> <br /> She returned to the mirror and studied the birthmark on her face. Suddenly, she had an idea.<br /> <br /> ...<br /> <br /> At Starlight Entertainment, there were ten minutes left before the press conference would start.<br /> <br /> "Why hasn't Xeyla come yet?" Cain repeatedly called Xeyla's phone, but there was no answer. In frustration, he threw his phone onto the sofa.<br /> <br /> Pheona sat by the side. Her face was pale and full of tears.<br /> <br /> The incident last night was like a public humiliation. Just the idea of the whole world had seen the sex tape of her and Cain filled her with intense anger.<br /> <br /> "Why does it have to be Xeyla? Maybe it was her who shared that video!" Pheona clenched her fists tightly.<br /> <br /> "Impossible," Cain denied firmly. "Even if she found out, she would never do such a thing."<br /> <br /> "Still, I don't want her to clarify for us."<br /> <br /> "She's my fiancée. Her stance is crucial!" insisted Cain.<br /> <br /> "Fiancée this, fiancée that!" After yelling that, Pheona wept again.<br /> <br /> Although she and Cain loved each other, because of Xeyla, they could only be together in secret.<br /> <br /> Even when everyone was now suspecting that they were in an incestuous relationship, Cain wouldn't allow her to reveal the truth still.<br /> <br /> Why?<br /> <br /> "Pheona, stop causing a scene," Cain said sternly as he looked at her. "Think about your future in the entertainment industry."<br /> <br /> Pheona choked. "But, I don't want her to be the spokesperson!"<br /> <br /> "This is the only way to clarify things now!" To be honest, Cain wasn't sure. He didn't know whether Xeyla would still unconditionally believe him like before if she saw the video.<br /> <br /> Just then, an assistant knocked on the door and came in. "Mr. Irving and Miss Irving, it's time. The reporters are waiting outside."<br /> <br /> "Pheona, let's go."<br /> <br /> "But Xeyla isn't here yet," muttered Pheona.<br /> <br /> Although she never admitted it, at this moment, Pheona realized that she lacked the courage to face the reporters alone.<br /> <br /> "Yeah, but if we're late, the reporters will have something to write about again!" Cain's tone was impatient. "And not to mention that this is a live broadcast!"<br /> <br /> Only a live broadcast could spread the press conference in real time and effectively suppress the rumors.<br /> <br /> Pheona finally had nothing to say, gritted her teeth, and gave in. "Fine."<br /> <br /> The assistant pushed open the door for them, and immediately, countless microphones and cameras were aimed at the two of them, making it almost impossible for them to see clearly.<br /> <br /> "Mr. Irving, where is your fiancée, Miss McLean?"<br /> <br /> "Didn't your company make a statement that she would clarify for you at the press conference today? Where is she? Has she also started to doubt your relationship with Miss Irving?"<br /> <br /> "Miss Irving, as the third person in the two's relationship, how do you feel?"<br /> <br /> Countless malicious questions came at them.<br /> <br /> Pheona's face turned pale, and she almost couldn't help but shout out that it was Xeyla who was the shameless third person.<br /> <br /> At the same time, Cain's expression didn't look good either. He raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet. "Xeyla is on her way and will be here soon. Please wait a moment."<br /> <br /> "I doubt Miss McLean will show up."<br /> <br /> "Yeah, who could stand such a thing? And they even claimed that someone pretended to be them in the video. Tsk, only their diehard fans would buy that!"<br /> <br /> The voices of skepticism were growing stronger and louder. As the scandal had captured the attention of the public, the reporters were eager to uncover more sensational information.<br /> <br /> Cain pursed his lips and gradually grew uncertain.<br /> <br /> Did Xeyla grow suspicious as well? Is that why she hasn't shown up now?<br /> <br /> By abstaining from this press conference, she's practically taking a stance in agreeing with the accusations against me and Pheona. In that case, we'll never be able to clear our names!<br /> <br /> As time passed, the reporters witnessed the increasingly grim expressions on Pheona and Cain, and they took even more photos.<br /> <br /> The reporters were glad that they had more sensational pieces to write about.<br /> <br /> On the other hand, the viewers who tuned in to the live stream also affirmed the nature of the scandal. Pheona's most devoted fans were overcome with emotions and found themselves shedding uncontrollably.<br /> <br /> Just then, a slender figure made her way toward the press conference venue from a distance.<br /> <br /> Cain was the first to catch sight of her and shouted, "Xeyla!"<br /> <br /> Instantly, the reporters quieted down.<br /> <br /> Following Cain's gaze, they turned their heads to behold a slender and graceful figure.<br /> <br /> In the next second, a collective gasp of astonishment escaped from their lips.❤🔞😍<br /> <br /> -------------------------------------------------------- <br /> There are limited chapters to put here, click the button below to continue reading 😉🔥<Blind to Love>🔥 (It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	LEARN_MORE	https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?	104800005627300	A wonderful story	https://facebook.com/100083177024234	55,247	2	1,018,672,426,622,273	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	A wonderful story	120208143465070110	page.tapon.com	NONE	video		https://page.tapon.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=6125&brand=3&app=0&ppid=3065&pid=FBW2A&campaign={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}&ori_campaign_id=120208143463910110&ori_adset_id=120208143464290110&ori_ad_id=120208143464710110	2024-04-07 04:36	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435416530_2708152082676482_1547017426568802405_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iQBAh6_z34gAb48k2oa&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBVKjmbrfJSKk1DaK5rlKDOoJY2SYphy7dPrAYbN2NWbA&oe=6618ED09	person_profile	A wonderful story	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435471519_951729612993482_5027089681244093030_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=1eb2Em6_0-wAb5J3Vyn&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAkmm0itN_yffSFDVphaIc5WBm0BdmLYV3mvZ49D4W61Q&oe=6618D7DF	3	A wonderful story	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,135	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011288}'	No	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	310532335158529	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	Tammy left the new house with a sweet smile on her face to find her husband.<br /> In the hallway, there was a sudden sound of talking.<br /> "Tammy's kidney was successfully paired with Sonia, and marrying her was just a way to get her to sign a consent form for the donation."<br /> It was Angus's voice.Tammy's face went suddenly pale.<br /> ---<br /> "Did you know?"<br /> "Yes!"<br /> Angus said coldly, "In that case, there's no need to pretend loving."<br /> "I won't give my kidney to Sonia. You give up!"<br /> "Tammy, she's your sister. Why are you so cruel? It's just a kidney. You are not going to die!"<br /> "Angus, you are so cruel! I will never agree to that!"<br /> ————————<br /> A cool breeze gently rolled up the curtains on the second floor of the villa.<br /> Tammy's scarred face hung with tears, and her tiny, undressundressed body lay shivering in the strong man's arms. She was too shy to look up at him.<br /> Today was her wedding night. Just now, she ended the transformation from a girl to a woman.<br /> The man holding her in his arms at the moment was her husband Angus, a man could drive all women crazy.<br /> She had loved him for fifteen years.<br /> In the darkness, Angus stared at the little woman in his arms. His deep black eyes contained a coolness that was hard for others to guess.<br /> He stroked her soft hair and murmured, "Tammy, I'm sorry I hurt you."<br /> Although when they were having love, she hadn't been crying out in pain, she was holding back her tears. She looked so aggrieved that it hurt him a little.<br /> Tammy shook her head gently. Her face blushed.<br /> Although he was gentle, the pain was inevitable because it was her first time.<br /> However, she was happy enough that he didn't mind the scars on her face and that she was a poor little girl who had been living in exile for ten years.<br /> There was a ding, and his phone rang.<br /> Angus took the phone, looked at it, frowned, turned his head and said, "Tammy, I'm going out for a few minutes and I will come back soon. Wait for me."<br /> He bowed his head and gently pecked on her forehead.<br /> Angus switched on the light and got out of bed, tucking Tammy in and picking up a robe from the side and putting it on.<br /> Tammy watched as he left the room.<br /> Without his embrace, she was suddenly lost. She gripped the blanket restlessly at her chest. Her thin shoulders were out of the quilt, and they were covered with the marks of their love and affection.<br /> A few minutes passed and he didn't return. Tammy's loss grew stronger and stronger.<br /> She put on her pink nightgown and picked up the heart-shaped pendant carved from the wood on the bedside table and put it around her neck.<br /> It had been given to her by her mother before she died, and although it was worthless, she had worn it since she was a child.<br /> The pendant always soothed her anxious emotion.<br /> Tammy left the new house with a sweet smile on her face to find her husband.<br /> In the hallway, there was a sudden sound of talking.<br /> "Tammy's kidney was successfully paired with Sonia, and marrying her was just a way to get her to sign a consent form for the donation."<br /> It was Angus's voice. It was extraordinarily familiar to her, but it hurt her so much for a moment. His words were like a thunderbolt exploding in her head!<br /> Tammy's face went suddenly pale. Her hands clenched in fists, gripping the skirt of her nightgown so tightly that her whole body was as stiff as a stone. She seemed to have lost half her life.<br /> In the back of her mind, the words he'd said when he'd asked her to marry him emerged...<br /> "Tammy, you are a good girl, and I have no reason to marry any woman but you... "<br /> But then those words were like heavy slaps in her face!<br /> Tammy's kidney was paired with Sonia's and marrying her was just to get her to sign the donor consent form-...<br /> Tammy covered her mouth and shivered.<br /> She'd never agreed to donate her kidney, and she'd thought he'd married her because he loved her.<br /> But it turned out that he was the one who was going to trick her into donating a kidney for the woman he loved!<br /> The familiar figure not far away was as grand and tall as a king, with an elegant aristocratic air. Although the first time had only just been given to him, at the moment he was so strange to her!<br /> At this time, there came another voice with some flattery: "Oh, so that's it. Young Master Smith, why didn't you say so earlier. I thought you had let Sonia down. After all, she loves you so much, and you married Tammy as soon as she fell ill. It's hard for her not to think too much. Tammy is so vicious that she won't donate her kidney to save her sister. And you're the only one who can control her!"<br /> The speaker was Tammy's stepmother, who was named Sue.<br /> When Tammy was nine years old, Sue was brought home by her father along with her sister who was older than Tammy. That girl was also her father's biological daughter.<br /> In other words, not long after her father and mother got married, he already had had an affair with another woman and had a daughter outside.<br /> At the time, her mother was already suffering from depression due to the hardships she had had in the marriage. And as a result, the incident completely overwhelmed her, causing her to become more and more mentally ill. Finally, her mother desperately tried to throw her out of the car window in a major car accident, while she was burned to death in the car.<br /> By the time her body was taken out, it was all charred...<br /> Tammy was only ten years old...<br /> Her mother was killed by Sue and her daughter, and her face and life were ruined by them.<br /> And now, they had joined forces and wanted her kidney!<br /> How could they be so bad? How could they do this to her?<br /> What did she do wrong?<br /> Tammy's tears rolled down like a river that had burst its banks!<br /> Angus, did you know that I've remembered you since I was five years old!<br /> But I loved you so much, and you trampled on my affection like this!<br /> His cruelty shattered all her hopes, and her world fell into obscurity.<br /> She thought she'd made it, but when the fog had lifted, she found that the destination she'd been running to wasn't heaven, but inferno!<br /> Tammy gritted her teeth desperately and ran away back to her room!<br /> Angus's eyes were deep and dark. Hearing the words Sue used to describe Tammy such as, "little hoof" and "vicious," he was somewhat uncomfortable. His voice had turned cold, "Tammy's kidneys can only be used when it's necessary."<br /> When he possessed her tonight, she was shaking all the time. She was so thin and fragile, so how could she carry the kidney removal surgery.<br /> When Sue heard this, she was immediately unhappy, but she didn't dare to show her anger, "Young Master Smith, what do you mean? Didn't you say you'd let her donate her kidney before marrying her? But why did you go back on your word?"<br /> Angus frowned and said sternly, "I have no regrets. If another suitable kidney is found before the operation, I will divorce her."<br /> Divorce.<br /> The thought of these words seemed to hit him hard heavily.<br /> Sue was about to say something else. Suddenly Angus paled and said indifferently, "Go away and don't let Tammy doubt you."<br /> His tone was full of strong command that made Sue pale!<br /> Although she had decided that she was Angus's future mother-in-law, she still shivered, not daring to say anything more. She turned away but a light flashed in her eyes.<br /> Tammy, the little woman, caused her daughter to be only Angus' second wife in the future even if she was well enough to marry Angus. What an abominable woman!<br /> She would never let Tammy go!<br /> ........<br /> Tammy huddled in the corner of the room with her arms wrapped around her, shivering.<br /> Angus came in, and found no one in the room. He searched around, and suddenly noticed the curtains trembling faintly.<br /> He lifted the curtains and saw Tammy sitting on the floor, hugging her knees as if she was in some kind of shock. Her face was pale as a sheet.<br /> Angus was startled, "Tammy, what are you doing here?"<br /> Tammy clenched her teeth desperately, and she stared at him with her red eyes.<br /> Angus frowned. He was confused. "What's wrong with you? Get up first"<br /> He bent down and put his hands under her armpits and picked her up.<br /> Suddenly, Tammy was agitated and pushed him away hard, "Get off me!"<br /> She almost growled out.<br /> "........"<br /> Her attitude was so strange. Did she know anything?<br /> Instantly, his eyes went cold, "Did you know?"<br /> Tammy clenched her fists in grief, "Yes!"<br /> "........"<br /> Angus said coldly, "In that case, there's no need to pretend loving."<br /> It was clear that things had been revealed, and his cold tone seemed to tell her that there was no need for him to pretend to be gentle with her anymore.<br /> The air went cold, and Tammy's whole body became top-heavy as if all her insides had been emptied!<br /> Suddenly, she was so out of breath that a sensation of her breath being blocked came over her, and she fell to the ground, covering her chest!<br /> Angus sensed something was wrong and immediately took her in his arms!<br /> "Tammy!" There was urgency in his voice.<br /> Tammy's breath quickened and she gripped the man's suit tie. Her tears gushed from her eyes, and her red eyes were full of indignation!<br /> "........"<br /> Angus didn't say much, but his face was unusually livid. He just picked Tammy up and put her on the bed.<br /> "Tammy, how are you feeling?" He patted her face gently, a fine layer of sweat covering his forehead.<br /> Tammy stared at him with wide and empty eyes. She gave him a sarcastic smile.<br /> If he'd been scared about her before, she'd have been happy. But now she just felt sick.<br /> He wasn't afraid she'd die, but he was afraid that he could not get her to sign the consent form!<br /> Suddenly, Tammy sat up in bed, pushed him away, and got right off the bed!<br /> Angus frowned. He easily caught her back with his long arms and held her in his arms. He hugged her from behind, and his eyes were dark, "Where do you want to go?"<br /> "You let go of me!" Tammy shouted!<br /> Finally, monstrous anger erupted and she tried almost with all her might to break the man's hands that held her. Her nails almost sank into the back of his hands.<br /> Angus frowned and a chill crossed his face as he said coldly, "Stop it. Calm down!"<br /> "........"<br /> He's got the nerve to think she was making a scene?<br /> Tammy gritted her teeth, veins bulging on her forehead as she hissed, "Angus, you son of a woman. How could you cheat on my feelings like that?!"<br /> She hated him so much!<br /> Angus closed his eyes and his breathing became a little faster. He easily clamped around her in his embrace. His strong and muscular muscles pressed against her back through the suit and her nightgown. His heartbeat strongly that almost crushed her thin and frail body.<br /> In the end, he opened his cold and heartless eyes with a frost that couldn't be melted, "Yes, I married you for your kidney, but..."<br /> He seemed to be trying to explain something else, but the words wouldn't come out of his mouth.<br /> After all, he was doing it for her kidney. What else could he do to explain?<br /> "........"<br /> He had finally admitted it to her. He admitted his intention so neatly, so righteously!<br /> Tammy breathed a cold air. She bit down on her teeth, and her face was full of tears. The tears hid the scars on her face. She raged, "I won't give my kidney to Sonia. You give up!"<br /> "Tammy, she's your sister. Why are you so cruel? It's just a kidney. You are not going to die!" His voice was also tinged with a hidden anger, and his strong, powerful arms around her became tighter.<br /> Just a kidney?<br /> Why did he have the nerve to say that?<br /> "Angus, you're so cruel! How could you lie to me like that to get my kidney! How could you! How could... "Tammy closed her eyes in pain.<br /> His voice gradually cooled down, "As long as you promise to donate your kidney to your sister, we're still husband and wife. And you're still the young lady of the Smith Family. I'll guarantee you a lifetime of glory and prosperity."<br /> "........"<br /> "Hahahaha...hahahahahaha!" Tammy burst out laughing.<br /> He frowned. Her miserable laughter caused him discomfort, "What are you laughing at? Didn't you marry me for money? One kidney in exchange for a position as a young lady of the Smith Family and a lifetime of brocade is quite cost-efficient!"<br /> Originally, he knew that she had a strong temperament. If he directly asked her to donate her kidney, she would not agree. Her father was also refused by her.<br /> That was why he carefully pained everything. He wanted to ask her to donate her kidney gradually.<br /> But tonight his plan was all ruined and the original plan had to be changed!<br /> "Young Mrs. Smith?" Tammy's heart was aching and she was angry. And she said sarcastically and angrily, "Do you think I care about the position of the Young Mrs. Smith? I married you because..."<br /> It was because I've been in love with you for 15 years starting at the age of five...<br /> Even if you were just an ordinary person, not the high and mighty Mr. Smith, I still loved you!<br /> But what was the point of saying those words now!<br /> He was just a hateful liar!<br /> There was no way she was going to love a liar who broke her liver again!<br /> With a surge of intense hatred in her heart, she suddenly lowered her head and bit Angus's arm with a vicious force!<br /> His hand was oozing blood!<br /> Angus frowned and gritted his teeth, "Tammy, you!"<br /> He picked Tammy's body right up, pressed her against the bed, ripped open her nightgown, and lowered his head to peck her!<br /> "Ah! You let go of me, let go of me!" Tammy struggled desperately, yelling at the top of her lungs.<br /> Angus held her arms down on the bed. His cold, cruel gaze penetrated with a suffocating harshness and his tone was filled with solemn and warning, "Tammy, I can tell you unequivocally that Sonia is the apple of my eye. I have loved her so for years. If anything happens to her, you're not going to have a good time!"<br /> He loved Sonia dearly from the first time he saw her when he was ten years old.<br /> Sonia was only seven years old at the time, and she was so cute and made him distressed.<br /> At that time, she even gave him half of her jade pendant.<br /> The jade pendant could be combined into one. Each of them kept one, and they had promised to be together since they were young.<br /> So, no matter what the cost, he would save Sonia!<br /> Not to mention hurting the woman beneath him, he could even destroy the world for the sake of the woman he loved.<br /> Angus's words seemed to slap Tammy so hard that she shivered all the time.<br /> Had he loved Sonia all those years?<br /> So, what about her? She was nothing!<br /> His love for Sonia was so strong that he could hurt everyone in the world.<br /> And was her love for him so worthless?<br /> She was painful. Overwhelming pain!<br /> She was in pain!<br /> Angus gazed into her grieving eyes, and it was as if something had pricked his heart and made him uncomfortable. His whole heart was clenched!<br /> With a sudden surge of anger in his eyes, he pinched her chin and pecked her hard on the lips!<br /> He closed his eyes and pecked her, not looking at her tears of pain and sorrow.<br /> These two lips that he had tasted so many times, were so bitter mixed with tears right now.<br /> "N-no...let go...let go!"<br /> The skirt of her nightgown was hiked up by him!<br /> "No!!!" She could not stand it. She would not allow this man to touch her again!<br /> Thinking of that her first time was given to this man, she suddenly felt so pathetic!<br /> Amid her struggle, Tammy grabbed the bedside table lamp and smashed it hard at Angus!<br /> The bedside lamp was broken!<br /> Angus was bleeding from the head!<br /> Tammy took the opportunity to push him away hard and ran barefoot!<br /> "Tammy, you're looking for death!" Angus covered the wound on his head. His eyes were red and gushed with a flaming rage.<br /> Tammy escaped from the villa.<br /> But after running for a while, she was suddenly caught!<br /> She was shocked and struggled desperately, "Let go of me!"<br /> She thought it was Angus, but then there was Sue's voice, "Tammy, look at you. You're pathetic. Do you want me to find some men to comfort your broken heart?"<br /> Sue was downstairs at the villa and before she left, she heard the sound of the two of them arguing from inside. She was so proud!<br /> The intense anxiety in Tammy's heart made her desperately want to get out of here, but her jaw was pinched hard!<br /> Sue opened her mouth and forced a few pills in her mouth, forcing her to swallow them!<br /> "Errr..." cough cough!<br /> Tammy tried to spit the medicine out, but it was too late. The pills were already been swallowed!<br /> "What did you feed me?" Tammy asked angrily.<br /> "Of course they are good stuff!" Sue immediately said to the two men she brought with her: "She is the bride today. Don't leave her alone in the empty room. Take her away and serve her well. ."<br /> Sue held her arms and smiled arrogantly.<br /> The two men smiled evilly, trying to take her away!<br /> Tammy was scared, "Let go of me! let go of me! Angus won't let you go if he finds out! "<br /> "Angus?" laughed Sue, "He's made it so clear that he married you to save my daughter. Do you think he'd mind you? take her away!"<br /> Several men dragged Tammy away.<br /> Tammy shook her head back and her eyes suddenly fell somewhere, "Angus, I'm here!"<br /> She yelled so loudly that several people were startled at the same time!<br /> Tammy took advantage of their disorientation and broke away from them hard enough to run towards the curb!<br /> "Stop!" Several people realized they were being fooled and immediately chased after her.<br /> Tammy ran to the side of the road. At the same time, a car came barreling towards her!<br /> Tammy stopped that car against all odds!<br /> Hiss-.<br /> There was a rush of brakes!<br /> "Ah!!!" Tammy slumped to the ground.<br /> A couple of men were going to catch up with her, but they saw the car that suddenly drove up, so they stood on the side of the road, not daring to do anything.<br /> The car door was opened and a tall figure stepped out. The darkness wrapped around his body like wings, and he was like a god of night.<br /> Tammy crawled forward and grabbed the person who came down from the car. Her face was filled with tears and she said in a husky voice: "Help me... ...Please help me..."	LEARN_MORE	https://b.choicesnovel.com/ad/Y2hlcnJ5ZmljdGlvbi8x	196946380158891	Cho005	https://facebook.com/61553848687555	3	1	1,958,149,564,613,257	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Cho005	120207375346560733	b.choicesnovel.com	NONE	video		https://b.choicesnovel.com/ad/Y2hlcnJ5ZmljdGlvbi8xNDMwODQvMjAyNDA0MDcxMzQyMDkvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-07 00:46	https://scontent-lax3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435724747_400330819625083_7412009928860576124_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=FLUbXxiaF0oAb4o9M7d&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAYmDW9NgWLj37CiGWuFe00Wtah-stYu3aTh3LUDBeaGw&oe=6618D4A2	person_profile	Cho005	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435571542_408882788422304_1767742628034003384_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QXJhz9RaDXAAb5Fuwp2&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBzbrqlH2u4zX5y925XdS8UgX_GPqk-GZAnKAf-9yIDVg&oe=6618D793	3	Cho005	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,146	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011331}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	352352370564652	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	After the doctor's office, I stared out the window crying, I am alone, jobless, and pregnant and today I am a newly divorced woman. The words from my ex-husband still lingered in my ears.<br /> "I know you cheated on me, Malia! I saw the pictures!"<br /> I laughed inconsolably. If he loved me truly he would have gone to me for verification instead of bedding himself with 3 sluts.<br /> I was getting scared. This wasn't the husband I knew at all.<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> It was five in the afternoon I'm just arriving from the ladies banquet. Mason had me attend these silly meetings to give a proper presentation of a powerful man's wife. Since I love him dearly and I love seeing that man happy...i go. At first I thought it would such but turns out it was a great committee with women that were lively and friendly and my friends. I never thought after a three year marriage I would be apart of a prestigious organization of women. Something I am very proud of.<br /> Mason and I met back in college I graduated with a Masters of Arts in fashion and him of course business and politics. I was amazed by the way when we met I the outcast girl with big glasses and loose clothing had grabbed the attention of a god-like looking man... literally.<br /> •Memory•<br /> I was in my final year and working on a project line. My class was preparing for the night to have models walk the catwalk in our designs. I noticed him but he never saw me. the girl with the hair up in a bun, jeans, and a shirt that made me look bigger then what I am but it never bothered me. I was comfortable in my clothing. One of the models happen to be his weekly flame was trying one of my dressed when she fell and twisted her ankle.<br /> "That is why i don't wear 4-inch heels on a daily base." I said as my instructor looked at me "Go on and put the dress on." she said strictly. "NO! she's fat she'll break the dress!" Liv, Mason's "girlfriend," said trying to walk. By the time my instructor could say anything I was already in the back fitting into my own design.<br /> Nervous and shy I slowly stepped out the pearly white dress hugged my curves in the right spots and my small frame fit perfectly. As they were arguing, I could see Mason trying to calm Liv down. When he stopped and looked up he looked in awe like he saw someone more beautiful than me? though I was the only one on the stage. My instructor Ms. Viola turned around and smiled "OH Malia! you look dazzling in your dress!" the dress was a wedding gown. a strapless mermaid dress with transparent white material for the train. Ms. Viola came onto the stage and loosened up my hair letting my chocolate brown hair cascade down. I smiled and giggled and frowned when she took my glasses off. "There's the beauty you hide." she said making blush. She turned to the crowd "Doesn't she look beautiful and she designed the dress! Such Talent!" She said clapping that the elements with the light and fabric material combine well.<br /> I looked down and see Mason still staring at me. Blushing I am escorted out so I can change out of my dress and into my clothes. As I walked off the stage my friend Dalia came took a rubber band and tides my shirt back in a knot. "There much better...dont take it off it's my birthday remember," she said giving me the death glare. smiling i saluted her and went back to finishing preparations.<br /> That night it was a huge success and i received a scholarship for my designs by a local designer. only 3 semesters to go. I am going places already. As the night ended and everyone has gone out to the after-party I drove to a local cafe called "Millie's" and order my favorite soy chai tea latte. As I sat at a booth alone sketching a new design that occurred to me someone joined me. I looked up and there he stood Mason Michealson in the flesh, in my favorite booth as I call it.<br /> "Um hi," I said shyly<br /> "Hello I'm Mason." he said as if I didn't know who he was! The whole campus knows who he is.<br /> "I'm Malia." I replied back.<br /> "I know who you are." that's a miracle. "Your the designer who looked absolutely stunning in her own wedding design...is that your idea for a wedding dress?" he asked me.<br /> I froze "Ummm no my idea is more historically elegant." I responded as I turned the page over and showed him my dream dress. "this is my dress" there was a paused as he..what it looks to be a man appreciating my work of art. "Hopefully one day it will come alive....if i ever get married that is." I said looking down. He looked up at me as I took a sip of my latte. "You would look beautiful in this dress and the man that marries you is going to be lucky," he said. My eyes widen in shock, did he! did he just. Say that! HE DID!<br /> "If I ever find him." I said looking down as I took my drawing back.<br /> "Maybe you just did." my heart stops after those words. I think he's drunk or high on something! He can't ..I...I ...I'm not his type. My nerves are getting to me oh god. I suddenly stood up and grabbed my belongings and dashed out for my life. He's a player he has a history and a reputation with the girls on campus. I could just be his next game. No, No I am not that kind of girl.<br /> I unlocked the car and open the car door. "Malia don't go I didn't mean to scare you." I stopped in place and turned around to face him. " I'm not scared of what you said I'm scared of you. I know of your player history a different girl every week or day I'm not that kind of girl who's going to let myself be swooped away by some guy who's being extra nice to me when I've seen how you behave with others..so rude and cold. I am not a conquest... I want forever and you can't give me forever regardless of your pretty words. I have a brain compare to your "girlfriends" I said as and got into my car and left him.<br /> After that, he was persistent to win me and in the end, he did. We got married a month after graduating both with honors in our field. Three years of heavenly bliss. He was my first real love, first buss, first experience. I thought it was going to be forever.<br /> I walked into our home and headed up the stairs to change for the evening. As I head up the stairs hearing noises that I only hear when Mason and I are doing....things in private. I walk down the hall to see multiple sets of clothes scattered on the floor. My heart stops and I look at the door into my bedroom where the noises is coming from. The moaning and groaning and the sounds of pleasure. A tear race down as suddenly takes the doorknob and open the door. Gasping from both sides his eyes weren't with panic they were calmed like he didn't care. He was in bed with three women all blonde just like the women he uses to go after before we started our relationship.<br /> I couldn't say a word so I left I ran for my life and almost stumbled down the stairs. Screaming as my knees hit the floor. I got up and ran out of the back and towards the lake. Clouds were moving in as it started to rain. I stood my dock letting the rainfall on my hoping that I could just die. When it started to thunder I walked back to the house...his house. He was in the living room worrying yelling out orders. As I walked in I shivered as the cold air introduces me "home" all eyes are on me. His eyes were glaring at me, what's his problem I didn't cheat on him.<br /> "Mrs. Rose bring me a tea please to the guest room and Chester I'm going to change and I'll need boxes up in the bedroom so I can pack my belonging," I said walking past them not saying a word to Mason. As I passed him he grabbed my arm, "Packing! Where are you going to your lover!" he said with pain and anger in his voice "Lover? What are you talking about? No, my parents." I said taking my arm back and I left him standing there.<br /> After my hot shower and I was I warm clothes I stared at the bed of the guest room thinking of what to do next. How could he? "What's his name?" I look behind him looking baffled. "Who?" I simply respond.<br /> "Don't play games with me, Malia! I know you cheated on me! I saw the pictures!" so confused and dizzy I shook my head. "Me cheating are you drunk?" His eyes blazed with anger as he took me by my shoulders and shook me violently. "Don't Lie TO Me!" scared I closed my eyes and cried as I figured it out. He cheated on me because he believes I cheated on him. His hands were going down to my stomach pressing in hard and instinctively I pushed him away and slapped him. "I want the divorce and I never ever want to see you again....as always you assume before asking questions." Just in time, Chester comes in with Mrs. Rose. After an hour in I was gone...he didn't even say goodbye. The worst part I was expecting him to do so. I am so foolish, I shouldn't be hard on myself the signs were there. Sighting, I started thinking about my future and how I was going to survive and obviously not off my soon-to-be-ex-husband no way.<br /> I didn't kill myself studying for nothing. I still have connections and I am amazingly enough a fashion figure. I can do this I will survive...just like the song. Chester dropped me off at my parents who graciously allowed me to stay for a few days.<br /> The next morning a week later I woke up with a text from my still husband to meet at the lawyer's office. Three hours later I was back in my tight jeans and white tank top with a loose dark green cotton sweater and grey high heels. I got used to them .... I'm addicted now hush.<br /> The heels of my shoes clicked against the stone floor as I walked into the lawyer's office. Upon entering I had to witness Mason flirting with the lawyer. Gah! I quietly enter and slammed the door. "Mason stop flirting with every living breathing thing you can start again in momentarily right?" Shocking them both with my entrance. "Op didn't expect me to be so early..... too bad chop-chop assemble the papers I have an appointment after here," I said as I approached the chair and sat down crossing my legs. I just happen to be wearing his favorite shoes. Noticing how he was moving in his chair.<br /> As the lawyer or Ms. Renee explained I will be left with nothing but ten thousand dollars that were already in my bank account. So I had no say what so ever. MEN, Once we signed the papers I looked at him and looked away and walked out of the office. I was halfway down the hall when he came after me.<br /> "Malia." I don't know why I stopped but I did. Turning around to face him "What is it, Mr. Michealson." I said almost formally. "This happened because of you." He had the nerve to do this. I was about to open my mouth when i suddenly became dizzy. "MALIA!" he took hold of me to keep me from falling. "Let me go! I'm fine Mason." I took a deep breath. "Sorry... I...I. I haven't eaten much since I left your house...actually nothing at all amazing that I'm still standing...why am I telling you I am not your business anymore." I laughed inconsolably then stopped and slapped across the face with tears streaming down. "You are a jerk" emphasizing the word oh so humbly. "If you loved me truly you would have gone to me for verification instead of bedding yourself with 3 sluts which I hope you get checked for any STDs, but then again not my problem your not my husband anymore....you Brute!" I said finishing off my rant. I turned on my heels and left the office and left to meet with my mom for the doctor's appointment.<br /> After the doctor's office I stared out the window crying, I am alone, jobless, and pregnant and today I am a newly divorced woman.<br /> <br /> "You need to tell him or at least let him know." Livia said as she rubbed my back. I sniffle and dried my tears away nodding. I looked at her and closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Your right...he has the right to know at least," I told her. "And I am going to do that right now," I said as I stood up and walked over to my closet picking out jeans and a comfortable red plaid blouse along with grey flats. "Why now? Why not later? Livia asked trying to block my way from my dresser. "Because I want to get this over with and I have work remember at the cafe later in the afternoon," I said as I made my way behind her and cleaned up my face and applied the most natural amount of makeup on with a pale pink matte and shine on my lips. "I'll go tell your mom you're going out," she said leaving the bedroom. "Thank you," I said as I grabbed my handbag.<br /> An hour later I arrived at The Michealson Inc. As I walked into the lobby I walked right pass everyone with all eyes on me. I suppose they're wondering what's the ex-wife doing here. I didn't care at all I stepped into the elevator. With a group of executives "Gentlemen and ladies." I said politely as they returned a hello or nod. We were only 20 floors up and left with three executives. "Please make sure Mason remembers he has the private Humanity charity gala and that he is required a date," I said remember the gala we were supposed to go together to...I don't know why I even remember.<br /> Cheese and sprinkles the elevator doors open and that horrible cucumber lotion smell came rushing into my nostrils. That sense! Making me dizzy, I never liked cucumber lotion has a Halloween type smell, nauseous much.<br /> As I walk out I see Maddy polite smiling face turn into a frown to glare. I walked to her desk as everyone stopped and stared at me "Good day Maddy I need to see Mason is he in his office?" I asked kindly. Rudely she replies "Yes but he's with his "client," she said "Why don't you leave and go with your lover." she said all brave and bold. Behind her, I could hear a couple of the other assistants cheer her on. "Excuse me?" I wasn't confused about the accusations of me having a lover but my ex-husband secretary to know this private information. "Your not the bosses wife you can...." The doors open and out came Elizabeth Renee aka the divorce lawyer with a smiling ex-husband of mine. She was blushing and smiling in her black dress addressing her curves to the world. They didn't see me which is weird I'm the human in plaid!<br /> Mason leaned in and busses her. My heart broken into million pieces, but then my mind click he's just using her she will be gone by next week. Clearing my throat his eyes widen when he saw me. Ms. Renee blushed and left instantly. " I need to talk to you privately," I said stepping forward. "Make an appointment then Maddy schedule her in nine or in three years I don't know you decide on some month on the 16 at 10:30 am," he said as Maddy nodded and typed in the information "oh and I took the liberty of calling every fashion-related agencies with the assistance of one of my assistants who volunteered to help to not hire you so I hope you enjoy minimum wage.." He said like my dreams didn't matter to him anymore. That is his revenge..my blood boiled, I worked my hip in college to fulfill my dreams and now that he...he..he.I just want to die! My dreams, my goals, my baby! How am I supposed to raise a child on my own if I have multiple jobs and not the field I love! get a minimum wages job and work my life and miss all the important milestone of my baby. He hit it! Please prepare for an ultimatum.<br /> "Maddison cancels that appointment I won't be able to attend I might be in labor alone in nine months or busy with a small child in three years," I said boldly. My words stopped everyone and everything around me. Mason stopped and looked up and saw the tear streaming down.<br /> "Your lying you can't be! That's not my child. I'm sure it's your lover's child! You bimbo!" he yelled out again he hit the button again.<br /> I walked up to him and in front of all his employees and clients I slapped him across his angelic and God-like face. "NEVER IN YOUR MISERABLE LIFE CALL ME A bimbo AGAIN!" I shouted.<br /> "I only came here to inform you that I am having YOUR child! But please clear this one detail for me....what is the man's name that I supposedly cheated on you on? hmm, cause I have no idea who he is!" I said with all honesty. The people around me, I can hear their whispers, their gossip. Mason just stood there stuck his shocked expression. "Madison I'm sure you know what's the jerk's name? Since you obviously know all the gossip of the office and everything right?" I said giving her my death glare. "Alejandro Posada" she even took the newspaper with the picture and article even. I looked over it and it looks so familiar and then it clicked I remember him, I remember that day. I looked up at Mason and started laughing, "I regret the day I let your playboy hh intiio my heart!" I said I held the paper up and made the announcement, "This is a set up because on that day I was in there with Chief Botiago and Alejandro Posada was trying the women's committee samples for the charity we went too together three months ago and I was designing another "Michealson design" remember his mother's party, Mason? The dress she wore?" I shook my head as people started to realize what I was saying. "Your gullible and insecure hip has been greatly manipulated."<br /> "You destroy our marriage, my trust, and ruin my future!" I walked away with paper in hand and I stop turning around. "Look at me! Look at me real good Mason because this is the last time you will ever see my face and the child I hold here he or she will never know you! And know that it is your fault." I said as I left the lobby and went straight to the elevator. Mason shouted my name and ran towards me. I wanted to turn around and forgive him but the doors open and I stepped in and I was gone. I managed to sneak out of the building without being seen but they saw me they just didn't say anything!<br /> I stopped by a cafe shop and order a fruit platter before heading into my upcoming shift. As I ate I think fate struck me, it was him Alejandro Posada walked through those doors. My teary eyes met with his dark brown eyes. "You" he walked over to me and he looked down at the table seeing the paper.<br /> "I heard about your marriage I am so sorry," he said kindly. Sighting, I wiped my tears away. "It's ok I'll survive just need to find another job and go to the health department..I'm divorced and pregnant," I told him his eyes widen as my tears just rained on.<br /> "You'll find a job you're an extraordinary designer." I smile, "Mason blocked all my ties to the fashion world I called 10 companies and all said, "No we're not hiring" but I can hear their lies." I Wiped more tears away as he looked down. " I just want a new life and to disappear and never be seen again with my baby." And suddenly his head looked up "I have an idea", he leaned into me and whispered, "Marry me?" I blinked several times "what" flabbergasted I cocked my head confused and all. "Just say yes, I can give you my name and help you regain your name in the fashion world anonymously, and your baby will have a family and security," he said it all sounded nice but I don't love him.<br /> "I'm sorry, but no I won't marry you I don't even have feelings for you only as a friend," I said truthfully. Alejandro nodded. "I'm ok with that I'm gay anyway so the feeling is mutual. I'm not opposed to living a lie I've been doing it my whole life thanks to my grandparent's old values," he said clearing it up. It all made sense now literally why he was never seen with women but a few but mostly men.<br /> "What do you say disappear off the planet..which I mean country, raise your baby in a safe environment, make your designer dream come true, make a comeback, and inherit me as your best friend and "husband" hmm" I laughed as another man joined us.<br /> "This is my boyfriend," he said in a whisper "Jonathan, Jonathan this is my "future wife," he said as he gave him a crazy look. " I didn't even give you an answer!" I said quickly. "I'm just assuming you'll say yes so I can finally go to my Abuelita and tell her I getting married so she can stop pairing me up with women and he'll live with us he's my live-in assistant but people are getting suspicious," he said as they both took my hands. I helped him once and now he's returning the favor....big time.<br /> "Ok"<br /> "Really"<br /> "Yes!"<br /> I looked out the window and saw Mason standing there staring at me. I looked away and started asking about investigating who did this to us because it causes more problems on his side than mine. Alejandro looked behind me as he was on the phone talking to a lawyer about the newspaper. In the end, once Alejandro took my hand Mason left like he lost everything.<br /> One day I will confront him and prove to him my innocence not for our love for dignity.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.weloveread.com/ad/bG92ZXJlYWQvMTQzMDU0Lz	111924688562390	Lov002	https://facebook.com/100092720766465	47	1	382,119,441,327,333	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Lov002	120207019351210014	a.weloveread.com	NONE	video		https://a.weloveread.com/ad/bG92ZXJlYWQvMTQzMDU0LzIwMjQwNDA3MTM0MDAwL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-07 00:42	https://scontent.fmem1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435454480_386494940953414_6223272051124390622_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IeHD7Fwi03MAb4SLl3z&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-1.fna&oh=00_AfD-a1kZo2bTXlrVzCSN2K18FhADNTjeLPjik8IiB7QxKA&oe=6618D845	person_profile	Lov002	https://scontent.fmem1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435585581_930413285103165_2049173821954239127_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=T7lJ2G0-TRkAb7sQF3r&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAskBQBp-kKX-77deI5MmXxqIfSZWa9UK3tmj3_DF3k9g&oe=6618EEE9	3	Lov002	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,149	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011374}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	359485577064799	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"I've told you to shut your trap, Queenie. Remember this, I'm not the same Sophie from five years ago. I won't let just anyone walk all over me. And, whatever you all did five years ago, you should still remember! I will return everything I've been through to you bit by bit, slowly but surely."<br /> "Save ... me. Five ... million..."<br /> He forcefully propped himself up and weakly called out to her for help.<br /> Sophie paid him no mind but continued on her way. The man behind her added, "Once you leave ... this street, you ... will be ... targeted."<br /> As a doctor, he was gratified that someone saved a patient who had lost too much blood with professional skills timely and reiterated, "You really should thank the person."<br /> "I found her. Here you go."<br /> "A student in her senior year?" A senior could actually treat wounds with such professional skills? "<br /> "A twenty-year-old girl actually dared to tend to your wounds when you were covered in blood, and her skills earned a doctor's admiration. How intriguing!"<br /> In the eyes of her teachers and classmates, Sophie Tanner was a rebellious girl with no particular skills or knowledge.<br /> Not only did she perform poorly in her studies, but she also often caused trouble, to the point where rumors about her chaotic personal life spread like wildfire.<br /> However, despite her countless negative labels, she was regarded as a treasure by the most esteemed heir of the Lombard family in Jipsdale, Tistan Lombard.<br /> "Of course. From the moment I first laid eyes on her, I swore to myself that I'd marry her!"<br /> ————————<br /> Her brows furrowed, a vague sense of foreboding welling up within her. She was tempted to change the course of her bicycle, but taking a different route would add an extra twenty minutes to her journey.<br /> Sophie grew somewhat impatient deep down, for she certainly didn't want to encounter any gory scenes on her way home.<br /> In the end, she chose to stick to her course since she knew her time was precious and didn't want to waste twenty minutes.<br /> Sure enough, five minutes later, she saw a man covered in blood lying in a corner of the alley where few people ventured.<br /> Sophie continued pedaling her bicycle forward instead of being kind-hearted and checking on the bloodied man. After all, she had no idea if the man was a villain.<br /> The man lying on the ground seemingly heard Sophie's bicycle cycling past. He forcefully propped himself up and weakly called out to her for help. "Save ... me. Five ... million..."<br /> Sophie paid him no mind but continued on her way. The man behind her added, "Once you leave ... this street, you ... will be ... targeted."<br /> After saying that, the man suddenly coughed violently, blood trickling out the corner of his mouth.<br /> His words successfully rooted Sophie in place. At present, she was doing quite well on her own and didn't want to encounter any more trouble.<br /> Sophie parked her bicycle by the roadside, turned back, and walked toward the man. The man, barely clinging to life, was in no condition to cause her any trouble.<br /> She crouched down and looked at the man covered in blood. "Is that so? Thanks for the heads-up."<br /> Sophie merely wanted to thank him, planning to take a different route home later. She had no intention of further involving herself in matters that didn't concern her.<br /> After she had finished speaking, she stood up to leave. However, before she could even take a step, she was held immobile by the man's hand.<br /> Glancing back, she saw that the man had grabbed her foot, obviously refusing to let her leave. "Save me," he pleaded.<br /> Suddenly, Sophie's attractive eyes blazed with anger. "I don't want to invite trouble."<br /> The man lifted his gaze to look at Sophie, who towered over him on her feet. Although he was completely drained of energy, his hand still clamped on her ankle tightly.<br /> He knew that the girl standing before him was his hope. His men hadn't come to rescue him yet, so he had to leave that place and get to a safe location.<br /> Sophie cast a glance at the man lying on the ground. Had it been anyone else, she would never have bothered to play savior. However, despite the blood all over the man before her, his looks surprisingly aligned with her aesthetics.<br /> Upon noticing the slight flicker in her eyes, Tristan Lombard knew he had been saved. Following that realization, he relaxed his grip and promptly passed out.<br /> Looking at the distinguished man who had already collapsed to the ground, Sophie couldn't help cursing, "D*mn it! How am I supposed to move you?"<br /> In the end, she heaved the man up to his feet. It took a Herculean effort to hoist him onto the back seat of her bicycle. Then, with great difficulty, she took him away via an ever more isolated route.<br /> After much deliberation, Sophie decided to bring him back to her place. With practiced ease, she retrieved the first-aid kit on the shelf.<br /> She hoisted the man onto the couch in her house. Luckily, it was black, so it wouldn't be noticeable even if it got stained by blood.<br /> Sophie opened the first-aid kit, taking out the iodine and hemostatic bandages.<br /> At that moment, she couldn't get her hands on anesthesia. Anyway, he has already passed out and should be able to endure any further pain. Donning medical gloves, Sophie cut away his blood-stained shirt with scissors.<br /> The wound was perilously close to his heart, and a slight misstep could lead to severe internal bleeding.<br /> It was also incredibly deep, with the flesh visibly gaping.<br /> Despite being a staunch man, even Tristan jolted awake from the pain the moment his wound was touched.<br /> He glared at Sophie at the side.<br /> "What are you doing?"<br /> Sophie hadn't expected Tristan to wake up at that moment. However, considering the amount of blood he had lost, he would have been as good as dead if he still couldn't regain consciousness.<br /> "If you don't want to die, don't move."<br /> Sophie couldn't be bothered to engage in conversation with him, not in the mood to waste her breath with him. She planned to continue tending to his wound.<br /> "Ahh..." The contact with his wound elicited a pained grunt from Tristan. However, that was the only sound he made. Throughout the rest of the process, he didn't utter a single sound of discomfort.<br /> He managed to stay conscious until Sophie had finished treating his wounds before passing out.<br /> "That's commendable willpower." If it were anyone else, they would have been screaming in pain long ago, with so many injuries on their body. She took the man's phone out of his pocket, composed a text message, and sent it to a contact whose name caught her eye.<br /> She left him at an intersection, kindly tossing him a piece of shirt. Then, she walked away without giving him another glance.<br /> Upon receiving the text message from Tristan, Felix Northley immediately rushed to the location Sophie sent.<br /> At the sight of Tristan on the ground, he was stunned.<br /> Who's the person who is sick of living? Do they not know who the man on the ground is? It's Tristan Lombard, the most esteemed son of the Lombard family in Jipsdale! By then, Tristan had already awakened and saw Felix approaching.<br /> "Who's sick of living, Mr. Tristan?" Who could be so audacious? In Jipsdale, no one dares to offend him! Tristan cast a glance at the incessantly chattering Felix.<br /> "Mr. Tristan, who did this to you?" From the moment Felix learned of Tristan's disappearance, he had been genuinely scared to the point of breaking out in a cold sweat.<br /> If Tristan died, countless people in Jipsdale would have to join him in death.<br /> With the man in such a state at that moment, he was downright curious about just who the culprit was.<br /> "The culprit employed mercenaries this time, eager to take my life. Find out who saved me today."<br /> As a doctor, he was gratified that someone saved a patient who had lost too much blood with professional skills timely and reiterated, "You really should thank the person."<br /> "Regrettably, I have no idea who it was." Tristan also wished to know who exactly had saved him. All he knew was that it was a girl.<br /> "I found her. Here you go."<br /> Felix handed a stack of documents to him.<br /> Upon opening the file and pulling out the documents within, Tristan couldn't help but frown.<br /> "A student in her senior year?" A senior could actually treat wounds with such professional skills? "Felix, have you been slacking off at work lately? How dare you try to fool me with this kind of information?"<br /> Immediately, Felix waved his hands in denial.<br /> "I know it's hard for you to believe it. I was taken aback when I first saw the information. But I've double-checked, and it's indeed her. Moreover, she's already twenty years old."<br /> He then held a photo out at Tristan.<br /> Tristan took the photo, his eyes landing on the face on it. It was a face one could never forget—youthful, vibrant, and breathtakingly beautiful. Her eyes, in particular, were captivating.<br /> "A twenty-year-old girl actually dared to tend to your wounds when you were covered in blood, and her skills earned a doctor's admiration. How intriguing!"<br /> "Don't tell my grandfather about me being injured."<br /> "What if Old Mr. Lombard asks about it? Am I still to keep mum?"<br /> "Don't say anything." If I can't handle even such a trivial issue, would I still deserve my reputation? "Let's go and meet this young lady."<br /> Sophie paid no mind to the vile condemnation behind her but continued forward.<br /> Unexpectedly, after she had walked a distance away, a black car pulled up beside her. Subsequently, the door swung open.<br /> A tall and handsome man walked up her.<br /> "Nice to meet you, Ms. Tanner! I am Felix Northley. My employer, Mr. Tristan, wishes to have a word with you."<br /> Sophie took a piece of chewing gum out of her pocket and tossed it into her mouth.<br /> Felix had already opened the back car door, and Sophie got in.<br /> Upon seeing the man seated inside, she realized he was the person she saved last night.<br /> "You're quite lucky you're still alive despite having lost so much blood." The expression on Sophie's beautiful face remained unchanged, and she was as nonchalant as ever. Her captivating eyes were devoid of emotions.<br /> Her words were quite blunt. Felix, in the passenger seat, widened his eyes in surprise.<br /> Even in Jipsdale, few people dare to speak to him in such a manner! "I'm Tristan Lombard. Thank you for saving me yesterday."<br /> Tristan handed her a business card.<br /> Without even bothering to glance at it, Sophie stuffed it right into her bag.<br /> "Do you study medicine?" Felix voiced the question in his mind. No only is she only twenty years old, but she's even attending a rather subpar high school. Could she really have the expertise to treat his wounds? In response, Sophie shook her head.<br /> "No. My neighbor is a veterinarian. I've helped him out a few times."<br /> Hearing that, Felix couldn't help but look at Tristan.<br /> Whoa! The high and mighty Mr. Tristan was treated by this girl as if he were a kitten or puppy. "A veterinarian can also treat human wounds?"<br /> "Yeah ... all wounds are almost the same."<br /> After saying that, Sophie instructed the driver, "Drop me off at the next intersection."<br /> At her words, the driver couldn't help but glance back at Tristan. The latter gave a slight nod.<br /> Upon reaching the intersection, the driver pulled over, and Sophie got out of the car.<br /> "Ms. Tanner, are you sure you don't need our help?" She seems to have just crossed someone she shouldn't have earlier.<br /> "No, thanks."<br /> Sophie gave a dismissive wave of her hand, for she could resolve the issue herself.<br /> Before Tristan's car had even driven off, Sophie hailed a taxi and left.<br /> "How cool." Felix had never seen such a cool girl, much less one so beautiful. "Mr. Tristan, do you think her words are trustable?"<br /> "What do you think?" Tristan didn't even bother to look at him. "Interesting."<br /> Felix was taken aback. Is he saying that he finds this young lady interesting? "Mr. Tristan, don't tell me you've fallen for her? I admit she's beautiful, even more so than the beauties in Jipsdale, but ... she's still a high school student!"<br /> Tristan swept his eyes over the man.<br /> "I'm not old myself, only twenty-two years old."<br /> "Soph, it's me, your big brother. I've come to take you home," Caleb said warmly.<br /> Sophie couldn't help but frown. Big brother? Take me home? Where was he when I was at my most vulnerable? Now I don't need him anymore.<br /> "Sophie, I truly didn't expect you'd dare to return." Willow's face was filled with anger and resentment.<br /> Sophie reached into her pocket and pulled out a piece of chewing gum. After peeling off the wrapper, she popped it into her mouth.<br /> "Willow, I will drive you out of the Tanner family!"<br /> Sophie had no desire to say more. She turned around, ascended the stairs, and entered the room she once called her own.<br /> Willow collapsed onto the couch, seething with anger. Freak you, Sophie! How dare you utter such words? Early the next morning, Josiah personally escorted Sophie to the prestigious Jipsdale Premier High.<br /> The principal of Jipsdale Premier High, who also served as the Minister of Education in Jipsdale, held two positions and was always busy. He wasn't someone just anyone could meet.<br /> Josiah was somewhat of a notable figure in Jipsdale. He was waiting in the principal's office with Sophie.<br /> It wasn't until after eleven that Andy Langston arrived at his office.<br /> Upon seeing someone waiting for him, he immediately instructed his assistant to open the office door, allowing the two individuals to enter. After understanding the situation regarding Sophie, Andy found himself in a difficult position.<br /> There was no way they would accept a student as underperforming as Sophie at their top-tier high school.<br /> "Mr. Langston, I've never asked anyone for a favor before, but this time, I'm begging you to help me out."<br /> "Old Mr. Tanner, it's not that I'm unwilling to help you. As you know, Jipsdale Premier High is essentially an elite private institution. Even our least accomplished students manage to get into one of the most prestigious universities. Your granddaughter's grades, I'm afraid, put me in a difficult position. I suggest you consider a community college instead. I believe it might be a better fit for her."<br /> Sophie had never wanted to make Josiah beg. She stood up and left.<br /> Josiah knew that the child had a strong sense of pride, so he immediately followed her out.<br /> At that moment, Andy received a call from Felix.<br /> "Old Mr. Tanner, please wait."<br /> After hanging up the phone, Andy immediately went after them.<br /> "I'll accept Sophie." Andy's attitude had taken a complete turnaround.<br /> Even someone as worldly as Josiah was unclear why Andy had changed his mind.<br /> "Mr. Langston, did I hear you correctly?" Josiah asked for confirmation.<br /> "Old Mr. Tanner, you heard right. I'll arrange a class for Sophie right now." Andy immediately called the academic head, instructing her to handle the arrangements for Sophie.<br /> Sophie didn't refuse, but she also knew that things weren't as simple as they seemed.<br /> The academic head assigned Sophie to the class with the worst performance. She handed her the school uniform and left her in the care of the homeroom teacher of Senior Class 8.<br /> "Remember, our school requires students to wear uniforms to enter the campus," the academic head specifically instructed. "Not just anyone can come in."<br /> "Mr. Hayes, I'm entrusting Sophie to you. Thank you for the trouble."<br /> "It's no trouble at all. Please, feel free to head home. I'll bring Sophie to class in a bit," said Derrick Hayes, the homeroom teacher, courteously.<br /> Every parent at Jipsdale Premier High was a person of significant standing, and these teachers simply couldn't afford to offend them.<br /> The third period happened to be Derrick's class, and he arrived at the classroom of Senior Class 8 with Sophie in tow.<br /> "We have a new student joining our class today. Now, let's invite our new friend to introduce herself. Please give a warm round of applause to welcome her."<br /> "Hello everyone, my name is Sophie Tanner."<br /> Sophie Tanner? Upon hearing this name, the students began whispering among themselves.<br /> "Is she the Sophie Tanner from five years ago? The one who was expelled from school?"<br /> "I think so! I heard she took a break from school, but in reality, she was expelled from our school."<br /> "Is it true that she went to a small clinic for an abortion?"<br /> "Yeah, back then..."<br /> "All right, everyone, settle down," said Derrick in a gentle tone. "Sophie, there's one spot left in the back row. Go ahead and take a seat!"<br /> Sophie made her way to the last row and sat down, completely ignoring the disdainful glares directed at her.<br /> Senior Class 8 was considered an average class at Jipsdale Premier High, and this class was filled with children from the elite strata of society.<br /> Their family was wealthy, and they were all fearless. After the third class ended, Queenie Lane approached Sophie.<br /> "Sophie, it really is you! I never thought you'd have the nerve to return to Jipsdale. If I were you..."<br /> Queenie was Willow's sidekick, always had been. She was always there to assist Willow in tormenting Sophie.<br /> Sophie was older than her, and she never thought she'd run into her again after taking a two-year break from school.<br /> "Queenie, shut your trap," Sophie grumbled, having spent the previous night tossing and turning in an unfamiliar bed. Now, all she felt was a throbbing headache.<br /> "Sophie, we're not in Horington, you know. Who do you think you are in Jipsdale?" Queenie wasn't afraid of her at all. She grabbed Sophie's hand, under the impression that she remained the same submissive individual who tolerated others' intimidation.<br /> A pair of attractive eyes narrowed dangerously.<br /> Following that, with a clever maneuver, she swiftly grasped Queenie's delicate hand, bending it backward.<br /> "Ah!" Queenie cried out in pain.<br /> When others saw the fierce determination in Sophie's eyes, they didn't dare to intervene.<br /> "I've told you to shut your trap, Queenie. Remember this, I'm not the same Sophie from five years ago. I won't let just anyone walk all over me. And, whatever you all did five years ago, you should still remember! I will return everything I've been through to you bit by bit, slowly but surely."	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1,011,152	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011158}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	372317795798887	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> "Trevor, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection."<br /> ******** <br /> As I'm lying here thinking about all of this, Tamaska starts jumping around in my mind. Like literally jumping around. She seems so excited all of a sudden. I look up and see Trevor standing over me, looking at me strangely. At first, he seems happy to see me, then his expression changes. I guess he remembers that we are no longer friends. Meanwhile, Tamaska is still going crazy in my head. Trevor and Tamaska say the one word I never wanted to hear in reference to Trevor. They both yell "mate". No, this can't be. I can't be his mate. This will never work. Now I'm panicking. I can see on his face that he is going to reject me. This is not the way my life is supposed to go. Oh, moon goddess, give me the strength to be strong and not break down.<br /> Trevor just stands there for a minute, then says, "let's get this over. "I, Trevor Monroe, future alpha of Blue Moon pack, reject you as my mate and Luna."<br /> As soon as he said those words, I felt a pain like I have never experienced before. It's like my heart has been ripped apart. Tamaska starts whimpering. Trevor made my wolf cry. Why would he do this?<br /> "Why?" I ask. As much as I hate him seeing me cry, tears are running down her eyes. "Why would you do this to us? Why would you take away our chance to be happy? Do you really hate me that much?"<br /> "It's not about me hating you, Seleste." He says, "The mate bond will not let me hate you. I just don't think you are the right person to be my Luna. You are a good Gamma. Fighting is what you do, but I need someone else lying beside me. Not someone who will undermine me or make me look bad in front of the pack warriors. I just can't have you as my mate. I don't want you as my mate."<br /> I can't believe my mate is saying this to me. It's like he really wants to hurt me. He is saying that he prefers someone else over me, his mate. Tamaska has not stopped whimpering. She is so hurt by what our mate is saying. Although I knew this was coming, the pain was unbearable.<br /> "Are you sure this is what you want, Trevor? Do you want to think about this before you make a final decision?" I ask in a whisper.<br /> "Don't beg Seleste, it's really not becoming. It should be no surprise that I rejected you. I made it known over this past year that I do not want you in my life. Yes, I am sure. I do not want you as my mate. My rejection stands!" <br /> Did he just say stop begging? The nerve of him. I would never beg anyone to be with me. He wishes I was begging him. How is he going to feel when he finds out that I get a second chance mate while he is stuck without a mate? I don't need to beg. <br /> "Begging, the last thing I'm doing is begging. I have never begged and trust me; you are the last person I would ever beg to be in my life. Out of respect to your father, I have kept my opinion to myself about you and the way you are acting, but truthfully, Trevor, you are a disappointment. I don't know what your parents or the pack will do when they find out what you have done, but since this is what you want and since frankly, you don't deserve me, I Seleste True, Pure Born Gamma, Descendant of Fenroe accept your rejection." I say and begin to walk away. I need to get away from him. It is taking everything in me to hold Tamaska back. She really wants to kick his butt right now.<br /> "Before you go, I order you not to tell anyone about us being mates," Trevor says in his alpha voice.<br /> Is he serious right now? Does he really not know that the alpha command does not work on our family? He really is not fit to lead our pack. He obviously did not pay attention in his alpha training, or he would know it is pointless to alpha command me. I will tell who I want to tell. I just look at him in disgust and walk away. As much as I want to break down and cry for hours, I refuse to let him see me cry more than he already has. I hold my head up high and walk away from him. The moon goddess granted me my request. I feel strong and I could keep myself together. At least until I get home. <br /> Once I make it to my house, I run to my mom and cry my eyes out. My mom keeps asking me what's wrong. My dad comes in and tries to talk to me, but I can't stop crying enough to talk to them. I can't say the words. At least not yet. My mom calls Mona to come to be with me and to help calm me down. After crying for about an hour, I'm finally ready to tell my family what happened. Wiping my eyes, I begin the story of my life right now.<br /> "I don't know where to start. I'll try to keep it simple. Tamaska was feeling restless, so I went to the clearing the grandmother used to take me to. As I was basking in the moon, Trevor walked into the clearing." I see my mom and dad stiffen when I mention Trevor's name. Mona just looks at me with concern. I think she knows what I'm about to tell them.<br /> "It turns out that I am Trevor's mate," I say with a sigh.<br /> "I don't understand," my dad says, "if you found your mate tonight, why are you crying? Did something happen to you or Trevor?"<br /> "Dad, Trevor rejected me." My family has the same shocked look I had.<br /> "Are you serious," my mom and Mona say at the same time.<br /> My dad is steaming mad right now. I'm afraid of what he will do. Trevor hurt his baby. This may not end well for Trevor. When my dad is angry, even the alpha stays out of his way. My mom and I are the only ones that can calm him down.<br /> "Yes, I'm serious. He said that I was not Luna material, and he did not want me as his mate or the right Luna for this pack." I explained to my family.<br /> "Trevor is an idiot," Mona says. "There is no one more suited to be our Luna. You have always put this pack first. You have always worked to make us better and stronger."<br /> "I know. Mona, it hurts so bad. My own mate does not want me. To make matters worse, he tried to alpha command me not to tell anyone that we are mates."<br /> "What!" my dad yells. "I need to go find this pup and teach him a lesson. No one hurts my baby and lives to talk about. Who does he think he is? He is obviously not fit to lead. He doesn't even know our pack's history. Every alpha knows that our family is not subject to any alpha. We serve out of choice, we submit out of respect, not out of compulsion. Our family has served this pack for generations, and I have never questioned that choice until now. This pack is not worth the pain it is causing my baby. First, I'm going to teach that brat a lesson, and then we are transferring to a different pack where they respect and appreciate us."<br /> "Baby calm down." My mom says to my dad. "Let's focus on our baby girl for now. What do you want to do, Seleste?"<br /> "I really don't know, momma. I don't want to run like a coward. He is not worth us turning our lives upside down. Besides, I will be traveling a lot after school anyway, so I will rarely see him. And dad, if you hurt Trevor, I may ruin your friendship with Alpha Connor. I'm sure he does not know what Trevor did. And No dad, I don't want you to tell him. I don't want anyone to know that Trevor was my mate. Grandmother told me that if one of us gets rejected by our mate, the moon goddess will bless us with a second chance mate. While I don't want another mate right now, there is still hope for me in the future. Right now, I just want to get through the end of the school year."<br /> "Ok baby girl, if this is what you want, your father and I will support your decision. But remember, you are my daughter. You will not sit around and mope about that pup. I will give you one full day to cry and be sad, then I want you to pick yourself up and start moving forward. It may still hurt, but it will not destroy you."<br /> "Thanks, mom," I say, hugging my parents. "You always know what to say.<br /> "You are my favorite daughter; I will always be there for you in this life and the next."<br /> "Mom, I'm your only daughter," I say with a smile.<br /> "And don't you forget it," my mom says.<br /> My family spent the rest of the night talking, listening, and wiping my tears. I am so glad I have them in my life. My mom is right. I will not wallow in sadness over Trevor. He has proven that he is not worthy of me. He made his choice and now I am free. I will be able to move on. He thought he would break me, but I won't break. I go to my room and grab my journal and begin to write. I just let all my hurt, anger, and disappointments release on paper. Writing poetry has always been my outlet. Speaking of poetry, I think I will ask the girls to go to Jazzy's tomorrow night.<br /> As I lie in bed, I start to feel this burning feeling in my stomach. I feel like someone is clawing my stomach from the inside. I have a high pain tolerance, but this is unbearable. I yell out in pain. My mom and dad run into my room when they hear me cry out. I tell my mom about the pain in my stomach. My dad gets mad all over again. They don't want to tell me what's going on. Mom says I'm better not knowing. Tamaska is howling in my head. She has been quiet since Trevor rejected us, but now she is balled up in a knot, howling and crying. I know this has to be about Trevor. He made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She does not deserve to be hurt like this.<br /> "T what's wrong? What's happening? Mom and dad will not tell me."<br /> "It's mate, he is being intimate with another she-wolf." Tamaska cries. "He really does not want us, and he is already with someone else. Seleste, I can't handle this right now. I'm going to take a break from this. I'll still be with you, but I'm going into a deep sleep, at least for now, don't worry, I'm not going away and I won't be down long. I just need a little time."<br /> "It's ok T. I love you and I will be here for you." I sent T a hug. I wish I could hold and pet her right now.<br /> "Mom, Dad, Trevor made my wolf cry twice. I will never forgive him for that. She did not deserve that. T told me what this pain is. There is no coming back from this. He has truly sealed our fates and our future. I am done with him. If I had it in me to hate anyone, I would definitely hate Trevor."<br /> "Like your mom said, baby girl, we will support you no matter what. You deserve better. I will stay out of it and let you handle it for now, but if he hurts you again, I will have to step in. There is no way I or my wolf can stand by and let someone hurt my pup. I don't care who it is."<br /> We all walked out of the house and headed to the venue for the party. <br /> "I would like to thank everyone for being here tonight to celebrate the 18th birthday of the circle of ten, our next generation of the leaders of the pack. I'm sure that together, the ten will continue to move our pack to greater things." The alpha says. He announces all the mate connections in our group of ten. The pack is so happy for the mates, the alpha can barely get a word in. Finally, the crowd calms down, and the alpha announces Trevor and his fake mate. I look at my dad and shake my head as the alpha speaks. I don't want my dad to lose it and tell the pack that Trevor rejected me. <br /> "And finally, I would like to announce that my son, your future alpha, has also found his mate, Shana. Show them all some love." <br /> The crowd goes wild again. Nobody knows that they are a fraud, so they are happy to have what they think is the next alpha and luna.<br /> The alpha goes on to tell the pack about the mating ceremony planned for all the mates that will happen next Saturday on a full moon. The alpha tells all the still unmated wolves to let Beta Vareen know if they find their mates before the ceremony, so they can be included.<br /> The alpha tells us he has one more announcement. Yep, He will be retiring, and Trevor will take over as alpha- There goes the pack. <br /> "As it is our tradition, I will turn it over to Trevor to officially announce the next Beta and Gamma of the pack; Trevor." Alpha Connor says and steps back to his spot next to the luna. <br /> "Hello everyone," Trevor says. From the time alpha announced that Trevor will take over, he has been smirking at me.<br /> "I hope you all had a good time tonight. I know I did. The Blue Moon pack knows how to throw a party. Let me start by introducing you all to my mate and your future Luna, Shana Stevens."<br /> Everyone cheers for their pretend Luna. Trevor is looking at me to see if I react, which I don't. <br /> "And your next Gamma, Mona True" <br /> I think everyone here is in complete shock. I froze in my spot. Alpha Connor tried to run interference and stop Trevor before he takes this too far, but of course, Trevor didn't listen. <br /> "Son, what are you doing?" Alpha Connor asked, "Seleste is the next Gamma."<br /> "No, Dad," Trevor answers him. "I don't think Seleste is the right one for the position. Seleste has done nothing but undermine my authority in the pack for the last year. As alpha, I can't have anyone under me who does not respect my position as head of the pack. I want Mona as my Gamma. I think that is best for the pack." <br /> "Dad, my mate, and I discussed this. Aside from the fact that Seleste does not respect me or my position, it is common knowledge that Seleste is in love with me. My mate does not feel that Seleste will have her best interest at heart. My mate does not feel safe with Seleste, being in charge of our safety and security. As her mate, I have to put her first and protect her peace of mind. Seleste being here affects her peace negatively and I can't have that."<br /> I notice my dad is about to lose control. I need to get to him before things go completely left. To defuse the situation and give Trevor what he wants and hopefully stop this drama, I agree that I don't need the Gamma title. <br /> "Fine," I tell Trevor. "Gamma is just a title. I don't need it. Not having the title does not change who I am. I will still train the warrior and fulfill my other obligations. As far as respecting you Trevor, respect is earned, and up until recently, I thought you deserved my respect. You have shown me over the last couple of days that I was mistaken about you. So, you can keep the Gamma position. I don't want it. As far as being in love with you. That is laughable. I don't even like you." <br /> He actually smirks at me. This fool thinks he has won. He is just sad.<br /> "Well, that is settled. Seleste will not be the next gamma. And since you mentioned training the pact, that's the other thing. I do not want you training my warriors anymore. Since you are mad that you are not the Luna of this pack, how do I know you won't influence the warriors against me or continue to undermine my authority?"<br /> So that is his game plan. He wants to withdraw me of all power. Does he really not realize who I am? Everything my family has done for this pack. Now I'm slightly pissed, but I need to try to stay in control so that my father doesn't kill this fool.<br /> "Are you serious right now, Trevor? I have done nothing but make this pack better. I have spent my life learning and training so that I can strengthen this pack, and you want to take that from me because of your pettiness." <br /> I let Trevor know that he really does not have the authority to take the training position from me. I train packs under the authority of the council. No Alpha's word is above that of the council. But since he wants to be petty, I can take my strength, skill, and protection to another pack.<br /> "Save it Seleste, I have made my decision. As of now, you are nothing to this pack. Why don't you find another pack to train, since you mentioned other packs? We don't want you here."<br /> "Gladly," I tell him. "And when I leave, you will take the full brunt of your decisions and the consequences of what you are doing tonight."<br /> I am so over these things now. This pack needs my family more than I need this. I can leave and be accepted into any pack in the kingdom, including the royal pack.<br /> Ben and the other warrior begin to speak up for me. That appears to make Trevor even more pissed. Right now, his own father and current alpha is looking at him like he has completely lost his mind and he is standing in front of the pack looking proud. I always thought Trevor was pretty intelligent. Now I think there is something wrong with him. He just will not stop digging himself into a hole. <br /> "See, that's why I need to restrict Seleste of her power," Trevor says in anger and frustration. <br /> "The warriors are more loyal to her than they are to me. You all need to respect me. I am the alpha. What I say goes. None of you have my permission to leave. If you choose to leave, you will be rogues. Will you throw everything away just for her?"<br /> I am so proud of my Elite 12 members. We always stand for what is right.<br /> "I don't know about the others," Tim said, "But I would rather go, rogue than stay in this pack with you as the alpha. As Gamma Seleste said, respect is earned, and I just lost all that of it I had for you. Sorry, Alpha Connor, I cannot serve your son. I will prepare to leave this pack in the next two hours." Tim said.	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1,011,157	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011409}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	386477364222677	Read with Your Ears➤➤	"Justin, though you are my twin sister's mate. My dad is really mad at you and Raven being mates." Twin sister Reagan said to my mate.<br /> "I don't mind rejecting her, but I would have been embarrassed to face my mate" Justin said.<br /> "My father has decided to appoint me as his future Alpha not my sister Raven. So, I will be your luna." Reagan said to Justin.<br /> ******** <br /> I silently run through the woods letting my wolf Emerald out tonight. She has been anxious all day, well really the last few days, and I could tell that she needed to come out for a run. <br /> Alpha Cole Walker is the Alpha of the Blood Walker pack. He is said to be one of the most dangerous Alphas in the United States. It is said that he would hurt anyone who dared to enter his pack uninvited. Due to this fact, most of our pack members studiously avoid this area altogether.<br /> My twin sister, Reagan, is the golden child of the pack. They all love her unconditionally. She is cherished and appreciated, no matter what she does. They all seem to ignore the fact that she is a horrible and mean she-wolf. I was born first, and with that should come the respect that after I find my mate, I will officially be the Luna here, and he will take over as the Alpha of the pack. Yet they all treat her as the next Luna. <br /> My sister and I are the only children that our parents had. The Goddess never blessed them with another child, even though they tried for years. My father, Alpha Graham Sullivan, is very strict with me. I am not allowed to leave my room other than to eat my meals and then return back to my room again. I am also not allowed to leave our pack for any reason. I have never even crossed the border of the Sliver Blade pack in my life. <br /> I was the Alpha's daughter, but I was not a valued member of this pack. Telling on me has always resulted in a bonus for whoever told on me to my father. I have had to learn how to overcome this on my own. It has made me very independent over the years, as well as a very good climber. I use the tree outside my window at the pack house, to climb up and down to get in and out of my room.<br /> From my vantage point, I can see who is coming now and rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my brain. It was Reagan, and she was pulling the arm of a pretty large guy, as she headed toward the grassy bank near my tree. I realized right this moment that I have picked a terrible place to hide. I should have doubled back and then climbed in my window to my room and I would have been safe and sound in my room. Reagan is clearly out with one of her many men, as she was allowed to stay out and do whatever she wanted to. I mean how else could she beat me to finding her mate if she didn't flirt with all the unmated men in our pack? I rolled my eyes again and then froze when I looked at them again and got a good look at his face.<br /> That smell coming off of him was starting to drive me wild, he smelled like freshly baked cinnamon buns, and I was now pissed off. She had come here with the guy that I had a crush on, someone with whom she had never shown any interest in before. It was our Beta's son and the guy that I have had a crush on for the last year and a half.<br /> "No, don't stop them, Raven, she has already been dating with him for the last few months. This is not the first time, it has been well before he returned to the pack earlier this week. They are together now, dating, and they have both vowed to reject their actual mates to stay together to take over and run this pack. Please, just try to bear it, I will help you get through it. I am glad that you are in a secure location, this may make you pass out" Emerald linked me, and I felt physically sick.<br /> "How do you know this? Did she know that he is my mate? Why can't I approach him? Maybe he wants me, Emerald. Please let me stop this. He might not know that I am his mate, he may still want me, want US! I don't want to lose him, Emerald. He may not be aware his true mate is here. Can't he already smell our scent up here, like I smelled his scent? Are you sure that this is the only way? Please Emerald" I linked her back, and I feel the tears that are already sliding down my face. I have questions, and I need answers.<br /> I am frustrated. I don't want to give up on my true mate. He doesn't even know that I am here, and I do want him. I don't want to give him up, especially not to my sister Reagan. I don't know if I can survive this level of betrayal.<br /> "I can't wait for mom and dad to announce to the pack that we will be the Alpha and Luna tomorrow. This is something that I have really wanted for the last 8 years. I am so glad you decided that we could be chosen mates. " My sister says to my mate.<br /> "Besides, I am also glad that you are willing to lead the Silver Blade pack with me. I have a feeling that my freak of a sister who keeps staring at you is going to be crushed when she finds out that we are together. You dodged by deciding to accept me as your chosen mate. I know that she has a crush on you, so she would probably try to ask you out or something when she sees that you are back from break." She adds.<br /> "I think we will be so happy together. Raven will be so angry when she finds out that we planned this months ago. I cannot wait for her to find out. I even told mom to have her sit on the front row for the pack meeting tomorrow, so I can see her face when dad makes the announcement. I am going to put her next to you so it will hurt her more when dad calls you up on stage. When she realizes that her crush is going to be my mate, she is going to be so jealous of me. I am so going to get a picture of her face when she finds out, as I will want to remember that moment for a long time" I heard Reagan say to him, and I was so choked up I couldn't hold in the sob of pain that managed to escape.<br /> It wasn't loud, but with werewolf hearing, it was loud enough. I just stayed completely still and prayed that they hadn't heard me, but Justin started talking when my sob escaped, and they had no reaction, so I think I am safe.<br /> "I have always thought that you were a she-wolf, Reagan. I am so glad that you came up to my training with your offer, and for us to get extra special time together. If Raven were allowed to move around the pack, I don't think that she would be missing the fact that she is my mate. I scented her today when I got back to the pack and confirmed she is my mate. Per our agreement, I don't mind rejecting her, as I am clearly getting the better sister out of this deal. I would have been embarrassed to have to call that freak of nature my mate" Justin said, and with it, my heart was completely crushed.<br /> These two evil people deserved each other, and I will not waste another tear on his betrayal. He "chose" her, so he can keep her. She will never be faithful to him, and he will not ever be able to trust that their children are his either. She was just doing this to ensure that they become the next Alpha and Luna. She is what he wanted, so she can have him. I am thoroughly disgusted by both of them, and I will not allow them to make me sad one more day. I had already decided to get out of this horrible pack, and I will not miss the Silver Blade pack for a second. <br /> "She is your mate? Are you serious? Oh, this is the best" Reagan said as she laughed out in joy at hearing this information. "Justin, why haven't you mentioned this to me before?" Reagan continued.<br /> "I just found out about it earlier today as I have been gone for my training for the last 4 months. I caught my mate's scent and followed it so I could go ahead and reject them. I realized it was coming from the Alpha level, and when I went up and it led me straight to her door, it was really faint, but I sensed it. She doesn't even know it yet. I am sure that this information is not going to go over well with your parents. They may be upset when they find out. Are they still going to want us to move forward with our plan? Or are they going to want me and Raven to be mates because we are true mates?" Justin asked Reagan. I have to admit, I was interested in her reply as well, but I already suspected what the answer was going to be.<br /> "Oh no Justin, you will definitely be staying with me. I know dad is really going to get a kick out of you and Raven being mates. Mom might feel a little bad for her, but I think that this is great. I could not be happier that her true mate, will become my chosen mate.<br /> We will rule the Silver Blade pack together, and it will hurt her every day to see us together. It is my pack any way, it was never going to be hers. Maybe if we are lucky since she doesn't have a wolf, she won't be able to scent you, and your rejection might even hurt her when you do it. That would be the best-case scenario for all of us" Reagan said, and I could tell that Justin was a little shocked at how hateful she was. Reagan could tell that Justin was not liking this side of her so she quickly changed her attitude and started cooing at Justin, "She doesn't deserve you, baby, I love you and I want you. Hopefully, you will come to love me too.<br /> I was just worried, I don't want you falling in love with my sister after we have already mated." Reagan said to Justin, looking up at him adoringly through her long lashes. I have to admit, she really knows how to work people to do what she wants them to. Her ability to look innocent and pure is without measure, she could have been an actress.<br /> "Dad hates Raven. He will be very happy about this. He has never loved her since the day that she was born. Mom might be a little upset, but she will get over it. She and dad are chosen mates, she gave up her true mate to become the Luna of the Silver Blade pack. She did it herself, and if it is good enough for her, then it is good enough for me to do it as well. We make the perfect couple. We will have strong pups, and our pack will flourish" Reagan said, and I am stunned. I knew my dad was mean, but to hate me, why? What reason could he possibly have for hating me? My parents have told the whole pack numerous times through the years that they were true mates. They are very affectionate with each other in front of the pack. I didn't even know that they weren't true mates. What else don't I know about them?<br /> "We will do the same thing. You will have to reject Raven first thing in the morning, or after the pack meeting. But you will have to do it where no one else will hear you. Dad is going to tell the pack that we are true mates, so they will fully support us. Dad thinks that it would be a mistake to not have the pack's full support behind us when we go to take it over from my parents" Reagan said, and I am amazed at all the plans that they have kept away from me. Just another thing that shows how much difference there is between Reagan and me. I hear them touching again and wonder when they plan on leaving the area, don't they need to get back to the pack house?<br /> I narrow my eyes at Reagan, as she is ecstatic about getting to truly rub all of my misfortune in right now. Justin is getting the opportunity to reject me, so the situation that we are now in is all positive for them.<br /> "Raven, why are you out of the house? Are you supposed to be out here? Are you OK? That fall looked like it hurt pretty bad" I hear my sister ask me with an innocent look on her face like she cared about me. She was fully aware of how I am kept a prisoner here at the Silver Blade pack. I really have to get out of here. I needed to check and see how badly I am hurt because I don't know if I even have time to go pack a bag now. I may be having to leave here with nothing, but I am OK with that. I just need to get the heck out of here. I will figure out what I need to do after I am safely free of Silver Blade.<br /> "Are you ignoring me, Raven? Are you sure you want to do that to me? Fine then, I will just make sure that you get punished for leaving your room. You are not supposed to be out here anyway. I will just let dad know that you are out here, and he will take care of you" Reagan said with a smirk, and then she started mind linking. <br /> I and my wolf were running away from this pack. But they caught us immediately.<br /> "If you come back here now Raven, I won't punish you for leaving your room without permission" I heard my father tell me. <br /> "Nothing in the world could possess me to do that father," I told him, and I see his eyes glazing over as he goes to link someone. I could care less what they have to say to me, and I turned to walk away. <br /> "You will get punishment in the Blood Walker pack. You know how dangerous they are Raven, you have heard this fact for your whole life. They cannot be trusted, and you are now a rogue. We have told you, and the whole pack, exactly what happens to those who trespass on their land. The moment they scent you they will move in, and you will die today. Is that what you want? Do you want to die? I will get you more freedom in the pack. I will allow you to go to the library every day instead of once a week. How does that sound?" my mother's voice is calming and comforting. She has never before sounded as nice as this, and I know that dad put her up to try to lure me back into the Siler Blade pack. They must be desperate to do it, so I want to see how far they intended to go with it.<br /> "Let me ask you this mother. Was the plan to get Justin to take Reagan as a chosen mate her idea, or dad's?" I asked her. Mom is not a very good liar. I can see her expression as we are only about 20 feet apart from each other right now. <br /> "I don't know what you are talking about Raven, they are mates," my mom said to me, and now I smirk at her. Clearly, mom was keeping me out of the loop and doesn't know that I know for a fact that they aren't.<br /> "Thanks for always lying to me mom. That makes it so much easier on me. I will not be coming back to the Silver Blade pack. This is the last time, Goddess willing, that you all will probably see me and actually I am welcoming the death that is coming to me. It will be better than the life I have lived since Reagan tried to hurt me, and my own dad called me a liar when I told him what actually happened. Justin is not her mate mom, and I know this because he is MY mate. It is disgusting what all you three have done to me and allowed to be done to me my whole life. I never deserved to be treated the way I was. I can only hope that I can find my way and get to live a life that allows me to find someone who loves me and realizes that I am a good person. I don't think that is too much to ask for, do you mom? It seems like you and dad are willing to do anything to get me to come back over the fence, but we both know that if I did come back, I would either immediately be thrown in the cells. So, I will take my chances over here, where at least I have a chance" I told them and turned again to leave. I only made it a few steps before I was stopped again by my father's hateful words.<br /> "You are ungrateful daughter, How do you have the nerve to say that to me? I have clothed and fed you, provided you a room, and let you go to school. I did take care of you, and it is disgusting to see how you repay me. Lying about Justin being your mate. Trying to take your sister's mate away from her. I know that I can speak for your mother as well as myself when I say that we hope the Blood Walker pack disposes of you quickly. I only wish I could punish you myself" my dad roared out, and the hate was coming off of him in waves.<br /> "You disgust me father," I told him and the tone I used to draw out the word father let him know just how little I thought of him being my father. "I have never done anything to cause a problem or disruption in the pack, or in the family. I did what I was told this whole time. Even as knowing that you let the whole pack know that I was fair game if they wanted to hurt me, and they did dad, over and over again. You know what, it was my family that really took the award for the most torment. Your unwarranted hate, mom never supporting me, and my sister allowed to try to hurt me, and incite others up against me made me realize that life will be much better on this side of the border than it was on that side. Even if I only live an hour more, it would be better than the years I spent over there."<br /> I wiped off my tears and walked past them, suddenly, I hear something coming to me…<br /> <br /> <br /> >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> Wanna continue this incredible story? Please download our App and search for novel ID: 98441!	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1,011,159	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011218}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	387618744176369	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Cara," he finished with venom lacing his voice. "Now I'd advise you to brace yourself, it's going to be a bumpy ride."<br /> It's him, the greatest and most feared assassin in Russia, the Don of the Russian Mafia.<br /> Dimitri Volkov.<br /> But he called me Cara, my sister's name. Did he think I was Cara?<br /> "What do you want from me?" I ask, my voice trembling a bit.<br /> "Revenge," He grits out to me. <br /> "On Enzo?" My brows scrunch in confusion. He growls out and pulls me close to him.<br /> "On you, Cara."<br /> ————————<br /> My name is Cora Fletcher, I'm 23 years old.<br /> Born into a family of crime and the underworld, you can say I'm quite weak, I've never really liked this life, not since my sister was snatched from me at a very young age by my father because apparently he wanted one of his daughters to be more involved in this life and Cara fit the perfect description.<br /> I only saw her once every year for 15 minutes and I was never allowed to talk to her or even let her see me.<br /> We reunited after our parents died, of course as you can guess someone ordered a hit on their heads and they both were killed making it look like an accident.<br /> My sister Cara is the best female assassin out here in the underworld and she's married to the Don of the Italian mafia who also happens to be the best male assassin in the underworld, well basically in the Italian mafia.<br /> There's been rumors of a leader in the Russian mafia, a nameless fear, someone who many think is better than Enzo in terms of ruling and ruthlessness, the best assassin known to the Russians.<br /> In case you're wondering, Cara and I are twins.<br /> She has been the one looking out for me since we were young and when our parents died, she offered me a place to stay in her husband's mansion.<br /> I've been here with them for about two years now, I'm not really a fan of the mafia but I have no choice since I was literally born into it.<br /> My father worked with a line of trained assassins, he was well a trained assassin as well and so was my mom, so when the time came to pass down his legacy, he chose Cara which I'm grateful for, he didn't have any male children but he loved us greatly.<br /> My name is Cora and this is how my story starts.<br /> ...<br /> I moan lightly trying to adjust myself and my sight because I still saw blur even after seemingly waking up.<br /> I'm lying on a hard surface, it's cold and smells like blood and dirt, the whole surrounding is eerily scary and quiet, my sight adjusts to the darkness, mildly, I try to move and I realized I'm tied, my hands behind my back but my legs are not.<br /> I gently sit up, the whole room starts spinning and I feel sick to my stomach, I feel like I'm going to throw up any minute from now, memories from before I passed out starts rushing in.<br /> I remember the mansion being under attack and then someone breaking into my room and me trying to fight back before I was drugged, I look around and I'm in some kind of basement.<br /> My skin begins to crawl, I feel eyes on me but the room is too dark to even make out anything, I squint to get a clear vision and then I see shoes in the far end of the room, brown male shoes, whoever has them on is sitting down.<br /> I move away quickly but that's a bad idea because my whole body is on fire.<br /> "I thought you'd be out cold for the rest of the evening" the voice booms making me look up to find the strange shoes person having the voice<br /> His voice sounds unfamiliar and his accent is different from all the ones I've come to get used to, he's not Italian, I know that for sure<br /> "Who are you"? I squeak out barely a whisper, my throat is parched and I'm thirsty.<br /> "That's not of great importance right now" he voices out his thick accent rolling off his tongue, he gets up and walks towards me which allows me to take in his full appearance.<br /> He's rather tall, with dark long hair, his eyes are sharp Hazel, his face as hard as a rock, he has a small beard just below his face, he looks terrifying I must say.<br /> He stops in front of me and bends down so he's eye level with me, I move back on instinct, he puts his hand on his ear and speak in an unfamiliar language, he nods and answers like he's taking orders, all the while his eyes are trained on me.<br /> "The boss will see you now" he mutters before standing up, I thought he'd take me out of her to go see his boss, whoever it is but now, he just takes two steps away from me still leaving me there.<br /> From his accent, language and face I can tell he's Russian, which only means one thing, The Russians have me.<br /> Which in turns means I'm miles away from home, From Cara, I start panicking.<br /> How will they find me?<br /> I'm probably going to die before they do, the Russians are merciless and if there's anything they don't possess, it's compassion.<br /> I'm still thinking about my fate when I hear heavy footsteps, followed by opening of the door to wherever I am.<br /> The moment the person steps in, the air around me shifts, even the man from before becomes still and poise, the whole atmosphere changes.<br /> Whoever it is that just walked inside this room, holds a whole lot of power, even the way he walks screams authority, I've not seen his face yet because he's still in the shadows but I feel the chills all over my body.<br /> "I must say... It was very easy getting you here" even his voice is nothing compared to what I've been hearing all my life, it has this strong authority to it, it's hard, gruff, husky and terrifying all together, I feel my skin crawl with goosebumps<br /> I don't miss the accent to which his voice is laced.<br /> "For someone so protected, you were easy prey to my men" he continues walking around me not letting me see his face.<br /> "Who are you and why am I here"? I croak out, I'm afraid and I'm not going to hide it, if he wanted me dead, I'd have been dead, something tells me he doesn't want to kill me.<br /> He laughs, a menacing, low and taunting laugh, it has nothing friendly to it, it's the kind of laugh that sends cold chills through the body.<br /> "Who I am....hmm let me see" he thinks for a moment, his voice is now coming from behind me "well some people refer to me as the devil, some say ghost and to many others, I'm just a myth people tell their kids as bedtime stories" he says with so much confidence and pride dripping off his voice "as to why you're here, you're smart, you should know that by now" he mutters out.<br /> His explanation of himself makes me gulp hard, I'm scared out of my wits, I'm not even going to lie, and he said I'd know why I was here but I'm coming up with nothing.<br /> "What are you going to do to me"? I ask my voice trembling<br /> "For now, nothing. I'm just going to keep you here for a day or two, let you starve maybe, let's say I'm prepping you for what's to come" he says dangerously low.<br /> By now he had walked to the front of the room, still making sure he's hidden in the shadows, I'm trying hard to see him but it's impossible.<br /> "And what's to come... Is not so good.." he paused before walking out of the shadows and into the light so I could see him, from his legs up to his broad chest and his perfect jawline, clean shaved face, pointed nose and his piercing green eyes.<br /> The air got knocked out of me, he had a sinister smirk perched on his face, he looked..... Handsome and young.<br /> Maybe in his early 30s, his face was void of any emotions, so were his eyes, they bore into my soul with great contempt and anger.<br /> He had dark brown hair, he stood tall peering down at me like I was an insect.<br /> It's him, the greatest and most fear assassin in all of Russia, the Don of the Russian Mafia.<br /> Dimitri Volkov<br /> "Cara" he finished with venom lacing his voice.<br /> "Now I'd advice you brace yourself, it's going to be a bumpy ride."<br /> He held a lot of authority, no doubt about that.<br /> He commanded fear and respect wherever he went.<br /> But he called me Cara. Did he think I was Cara?<br /> Did he kidnap me thinking he was kidnapping Cara?<br /> I mean we look exactly alike, same hair, same eyes color, only Cara stood a bit taller than me but someone who's never seen us both together would never be able to tell us apart from each other.<br /> And us being seen together is something that has never happened, When Cara decided that she'd take over dad's legacy and become an assassin herself, Dad made sure to keep me hidden from public eyes, I was even homeschooled.<br /> The media and everyone in the underworld only knew about Cara, they know my dad had only one daughter, no one ever knew about me, or that fact that Cara was in fact a twin.<br /> Even Enzo was shocked the day he met me, it took him a while to adjust to seeing an exact replica of his wife around the mansion.<br /> And I think Dimitri is among the people that never knew of my existence, he thinks he's holding Cara hostage, when infact Cara is still home with Enzo.<br /> He probably thinks he has the best female assassin in the world locked in his basement, I'm just a twin, I don't even know how to hold a firepower or a knife, let alone use one.<br /> "Let's talk."<br /> I gulped visibly when he uttered that word, that word alone got me hot, scared and terrified, I wonder what he wants to talk about.<br /> He had this look in his eyes, it was vicious, cold, distant and wicked.<br /> I mean I've heard stories of him but sitting here on this cold floor looking at him, something tells me he holds a grudge for me or more specifically Cara.<br /> "Whatever I tell you now, I'll only say once so be careful not to miss anything" he spit out his stare not wavering.<br /> "You're here as my prisoner, and no I don't want or demand any Ransom from your husband for your return, you'll be here for as long as I want you to be" he begins still looking at me<br /> "Of course you know what happens to prisoners, since you've had your fair share of taking some for your former Don" he grits out a very dangerous tone to his voice, it's like he's hinting at something but I don't know what.<br /> "You will remain in this basement without any food or water, unless of course I'm in a good mood, of course you'll be tortured from time to time" he adds making me scared, I can't handle mafia torturing<br /> "Have it in mind that I'll document some of these torture as a souvenir for your dear husband" he tells me still keeping a hard glare on me<br /> He stops as if waiting for me to say something but all I do is just lower my head, his stare scares me, it unnerves me and puts me on edge.<br /> I have never had to face anyone like this, not in my entire life.<br /> Cara is the brave, bold and witty one<br /> I'm just the silent, shy and naive of the both of us.<br /> I don't want to tell him that I'm not Cara because if he knows, then he'll realize he has no use for me and probably kill me<br /> Men like him have no room for compassion or pity, they shoot first and ask questions later and I'm not willing to put my life at risk.<br /> "I expected more of a fight from you, this is not the famous assassin I've been hearing so much about for the years" he mutters out tauntingly, of course I'm not her dumb, but of course I don't have the nerve to say that out loud.<br /> "I can say I'm very disappointed" he spits.<br /> "Where am I"? I ask after minutes of watching him talk, at least I should know where I am should in case I escape, which is most likely not going to happen but let me hope.<br /> "You should know by now" he says smirking at me "You're in Russia" he whispers, I suspected it but now that he confirms it my blood runs cold.<br /> How will Cara ever find me?<br /> I'm in a foreign land with no means of reaching anyone I know, worse, they think I'm someone else.<br /> What will happen to me if he finds out I'm not Cara but infact the exact opposite of who he wanted.<br /> "Vissarion will make sure you're comfortable as much as a prisoner should be" he says with an evil smile and sinister look in his eyes<br /> He gets up from the chair and starts making his way to the door, but my voice quickly stops him.<br /> "If I'm going to stay here for long, the least you can do is let me have my bath, I stink" I mutter the last part out, I see his shoulder tense before he turns around and faces me<br /> "You want a bath "? He asks giving me a weird look, in this moment I don't even know what I'm doing, I just nod like an idiot, which isn't really a good idea.<br /> "Vissarion" his voice booms out through the whole basement and within seconds, The man from before enters as if he's been standing outside, he bows in front of Dimitri in respect<br /> "Our little wants a bath" he says in a mocking tone and as if the man understands, he just nods before going back out again.<br /> Dimitri has his eyes dead set on me, glaring, staring, studying and watching me, it's making me uncomfortable, I feel small sitting here.<br /> I feel like he's going to squash me with his eyes or worse, he's going to kill me.<br /> I squirm a bit, the floor is cold and hard and I've been in this position for hours it's getting hard to get blood moving all over my body.<br /> Suddenly the door opens again to reveal Vissarion, I believe is what Dimitri called him, but this time he has something with him... A bucket, I assume a bucket of water.<br /> He hands it to Dimitri before taking two steps back, Dimitri takes it from him before inspecting it and looking at me with the same glare.<br /> He starts walking towards me "you wanted a bath?" He asks tauntingly, and I shake my head trying to move back, I don't know what he wants to do but I know it's not something I'll like at all.<br /> Before I can even get a chance to say anything he turns the bucket in his hands upside down and empties the whole content on my body, as soon as the cold water comes in contact with my skin i cant help but squeak and yelp out loudly.<br /> I tense at the contact, my whole body is drenched in cold water, very cold, my dress is wet completely, in fact my whole body is dripping with water.<br /> He hands the bucket back to Vissarion, who quickly takes it from him.<br /> He bends down to my eye level moving some of hair out of my face.<br /> "Do you feel clean now, hmm? Or you want more bath"? He taunts making me shut my eyes before opening them back and glaring at him hard.<br /> He doesn't even seem fazed by my anger or glare, I don't even have any words to say to him because I can already feel my whole body covered in cold spots.<br /> I'm definitely going to catch a cold, he gets up abruptly and walks out the door with Vissarion tailing behind him and locking me inside.<br /> ...<br /> Dimitri<br /> Ivan knows how to tick me off, there's a reason I never let him come visit me and he knows, that's why he didn't call that he was coming today, he just showed up while I was in a meeting, Vissarion had to interrupt my meeting to tell me that my cousin is down the basement with my hostage.<br /> I get there and I find him having a chit chat with her, like she's some top tier guest.<br /> I don't like the way she looks at me, like she's innocent which she's not.<br /> I've heard and seen pictures of her from various people, they all talk about two things, she's very young and very beautiful.<br /> Which isn't a total lie, The Best there is in what she does as a woman, one of the sole reasons I hate her, why she's locked up down there.<br /> Personally I don't have a problem with the Italian mafia, ever since taking over as the Don at the age of 18, I have tried to stay clear off any drama, including wars with any other mafia.<br /> But I know I crossed that line having her here, I'm just surprised her so called husband hasn't called yet to demand ransom for her release, according to rumors, she's Enzo's prized possession, his jewel, so why is she still in my basement?<br /> Why hasn't Lorenzo De Luca called me to request the release of his wife yet?<br /> I have had her with me for a month now.<br /> I haven't even done anything to her yet, I've been busy with handling the family that I've not had time to really go have a talk with her, a talk that might most likely end up in me torturing her.<br /> She was actually very easy to capture for my men, for someone so skilled and powerful, I didn't expect them to be able to get her at first trial, I was thinking she'd put up too much of a fight or restraint but nothing.<br /> Since being here, she hasn't tried to escape, not even an attempt, I know she's probably planning something but I'm not going to wait around to find out, that is why I still have her on chains and in the basement.<br /> ...<br /> "Any news from the Italian"? I ask my underboss Vissarion as he sits in front of me and he just shakes his head<br /> "нет" he responds making me nod slowly, Enzo really isn't going to call or try to reach out to get his wife, personally I don't even care because of he does call, I won't even let him speak to her let alone give him hope of ever seeing her again<br /> (Translation: no)<br /> Vissarion hasn't left yet and he hasn't made to leave, which means he has something to tell me but he's trying not to.<br /> "What is it Vis"? I ask him and he just breathes out<br /> "Nothing boss...." He pauses before he continues "it's just that it's been a month already, I don't think she knows why you took her" he says making me look at him.<br /> "She does, she's just very good at acting and pretending to be clueless, she knows why I have her here" I tell him.<br /> I know she knows me, or at least she's heard of me before, I'm a very known name around the underworld, I saw the shock and fear in her eyes when I stepped into the light, I didn't have to say my name, she already knew it was me.<br /> Not many people have the privilege of meeting me, and those who have, don't really live to tell the tale.<br /> "Come" I say getting up and Vissarion following right behind me as we both walk out of my study, I head to the basement to check on the prisoner I have there.<br /> It doesn't seem as if she gets the message, maybe because I haven't had the time to show her just what I'm capable of, she's heard of it yes, but she's never seen it first hand.<br /> I walk down the basement and I come face to face with the huge metallic doors, two guards stand in front of it watching, they stand straight and bow their heads the moment they see me, I just go ahead and open the door before walking in, with Vissarion following behind me.<br /> The moment I walk in and meet eyes with her, I see her visibly gulp and adjusts herself, she barely ever moves from her sitting position, well where will she go, she's afraid of me<br /> She should be<br /> I stop in front of her with Vissarion standing at the door.<br /> "I don't know what you discussed with my cousin and I don't care, but what I do find strange is why he's soliciting on your behalf to at least let you bath" I say lowly and she just looks up at me with those big blue eyes, the way she looks sometimes is so annoying I just want pluck them off.<br /> "Do you think you deserve a bath"? I ask bending down to her eye level.<br /> "If soaking me wet again with a bucket of water is your idea of a bath, then I think I'll pass" she mutters not meeting my gaze.<br /> She's got guts talking back at me, especially with such a tone.<br /> "I'd advice you watch your tone with me " I spit at her "I wouldn't hesitate to put a magazine through your head, you are of no use to me" I tell her and I see a ghost of a smile playing on her lips, why is she smiling?<br /> "You won't kill me, if you wanted to kill me, you won't go through the troubles of bringing me here" she voices out as if taunting me, her eyes holding an array of hope.<br /> I laugh, not a funny or genuine laugh, an empty one.<br /> "Don't mistake my lack of time for sympathy, don't test me , I will kill you if you push me past breaking point" I mutter lowly very close to her face, I see her confidence waver and it causes me to smirk.<br /> "What do you want from me"? She asks her voice trembling a bit.<br /> "Revenge," I grit out to her and I see her brows scrunch in confusion.<br /> "On Enzo"? She asks making me growl out, I shake my head slowly before grabbing her face in a tight grip and pulling her close to me.<br /> "On you, Cara."	LEARN_MORE	https://a.menovels.com/ad/ZmljZnVuLzE0NDAwNy8yMDI0	128135990379169	Myno003	https://facebook.com/61550840804079	76	1	725,274,209,792,045	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Myno003	120207580296050442	a.menovels.com	NONE	video		https://a.menovels.com/ad/ZmljZnVuLzE0NDAwNy8yMDI0MDQwNzE3MjEwNi9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-07 04:27	https://scontent.fmem1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434563533_632644005714865_740639320098083860_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WVOiCkYTwtcAb6Fydqo&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-2.fna&oh=00_AfBBSkJbLwjMrj4qjoden0hVr6d38QqYhg-mlADaY39rdg&oe=6618F8B7	person_profile	Myno003	https://scontent.fmem1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434873052_801703628028010_6234694446724617892_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KonVqjrzZrIAb55w2eV&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-1.fna&oh=00_AfCM4QruSLS--UctxtKiSqcSeMthLO8wrBl-2t-Ajks0Ww&oe=6618D10D	3	Myno003	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,162	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011472}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	392076370330551	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	At first I wonder if I'm seeing double; then it hits me. No wonder they seem familiar! Brock and Cody Easton are twins, first-year draft picks, and star players for the Leopards. In the NFL world, they're better known as the Beast Brothers.<br /> As I stand up, the man by the car — is he Cody or Brock? — looks me over. There's something other than concern in his gaze and he's not even trying to be subtle about it. His eyes travel down my body and up again, taking in my curves, and his expression changes from annoyance to speculation.<br /> My skin feels too tight all of a sudden, as if my nerve endings were trying to push through, leap across the space between us, and wrap themselves around him. What is wrong with me? It's only been a few hours since I packed my car and left my prick of an ex, I was just in a car accident, and here I am salivating over two men I haven't even properly met.<br /> —<br /> Megan<br /> The best thing Jason ever did was cheat on me.<br /> Not that I'm grateful to my skunk of an ex-fiancé at the moment. I'm crawling down the freeway in bumper-to-bumper traffic, heading into my hometown. There's a big game this weekend and the Leopards are the team to beat in the NFL, so everybody and his brother has come to see them take on the Stallions.<br /> Reaching my exit at last, I take the off-ramp to Central Avenue. It's as crowded as the freeway, crammed with cars trying to get home or to a hotel before the dark clouds overhead unleash their fury. I inch along, wishing the traffic would vanish so I could pistol the puny engine on my compact car and vent some of my emotions.<br /> Every time the scene from this morning intrudes on my mind, anger and pain flare up anew. I'm sick of driving, sick of grieving, of wasting my tears on a man who doesn't deserve them. If I hadn't come home early and found Jason balls-deep in another woman, I'd still be planning our wedding.<br /> I need a drink and a hot bath and some mindless entertainment. I need to be numb.<br /> My cell phone rings. I glance down and see that it's Jason. It's all I can do not to pick up the phone and hurl it straight through the windshield.<br /> It's only an instant that my eyes are off the road, but when I look up there's a truck stopped right in front of me. With no time to brake, I wrench the steering wheel, jerking my car sideways into the next lane — just as a bright blue sports car whips into the same spot from the other side.<br /> Its front bumper hits the passenger side of my car with a sickening crunch, bouncing my head off the window next to me, then snapping me back the other way. The impact spins my car around. I end up facing the wrong way, the oncoming traffic dividing frantically around me like water going past the prow of a ship.<br /> I'm too stunned to move; for long moments, I just sit there staring. I'm finally numb, but not the way I wanted.<br /> Maybe I messed up in another life, and today is some kind of karmic revenge. My lower lip trembles, and I bite down on it. Self-pity sucks, and no matter what, I will not start crying again.<br /> A tap on my side window makes me jump. I turn my head to see a man peering in at me. Dark hair, dark eyes, shoulders as broad as a house. Why does he seem so familiar?<br /> When I don't respond, he opens my door. "Are you all right?"<br /> "Yes. I'm sorry," I say, straightening in my seat. "Was that your car?" "Yeah, but don't worry about that." I hear a snort behind him, but I can't see who it is because the huge man in front of me is blocking my view.<br /> Undoing my seat belt, I turn to get out of the car. The man takes my hand to help me up. Electric heat surges up my arm and through my body, flooding me with sensation. A detached corner of my mind notices my entirely inappropriate response, and wonders if it's because I'm in shock.<br /> He backs away to give me room. Now I can see the other man, standing by the flashy blue car with his arms folded. Same hair, same eyes, same massive build.<br /> At first I wonder if I'm seeing double; then it hits me. No wonder they seem familiar! Brock and Cody Easton are twins, first-year draft picks, and star players for the Leopards. In the NFL world, they're better known as the Beast Brothers.<br /> As I stand up, the man by the car — is he Cody or Brock? — looks me over. There's something other than concern in his gaze and he's not even trying to be subtle about it. His eyes travel down my body and up again, taking in my curves, and his expression changes from annoyance to speculation.<br /> My skin feels too tight all of a sudden, as if my nerve endings were trying to push through, leap across the space between us, and wrap themselves around him. What is wrong with me? It's only been a few hours since I packed my car and left my prick of an ex, I was just in a car accident, and here I am salivating over two men I haven't even properly met.<br /> Granted, they are the hottest men I've ever laid eyes on. But still. "Don't worry about the car," the one nearest me says again. "I'm Cody, by the way." He'd let go of me when I stood up, and now he's holding out his hand again to shake.<br /> It's an enormous hand — it engulfs mine, and I am not a petite woman. But I only have an instant to process that, because at the contact with his rough, warm skin, heat flows through me once more. This time, my papilla go hard.<br /> I tell myself it's the stress. That's why I'm getting more turned on than I ever did from Jason's touch, right here in the middle of the street, with honking cars all around us. I want to believe it, but I know it's not true.<br /> The other thing I know is that I need to stop feeling this way. Now. I pull my hand free and look at his brother. "So you must be Brock. My dad's told me about you both."<br /> A slow smile quirks one side of his mouth. He's devastatingly handsome, just like his twin — and he knows it. "Your dad's a fan?"<br /> "You could say that," I tell him. "He's your coach."<br /> The guys exchange a quick glance, eyebrows raised. Traffic is still going by us, but very slowly because people keep stopping to take photos of the twins through their car windows, even though night has fallen.<br /> "You're Coach Turner's daughter?" Brock says. NFL teams have a lot of different coaches, so it's a valid question. But there's only one head coach, and that's my dad.<br /> "Yeah, I'm Megan. I'd say it's nice to meet you, but I'd really prefer we hadn't met this way."<br /> Cody grins at that, but Brock's frowning, his mind on something else. "Don't you live in Omaha?"<br /> "I did," I say. And I am so not having that conversation with either of these guys. "We should call the police and our insurance and all that."<br /> Their sports car has a crumpled fender but is mostly intact. When I go around to the passenger side of my car, though, I see that it took the brunt of things.<br /> "Yeah, it's totaled," Cody says from behind me. He sounds far too cheerful about it, and I suppress a twinge of irritation. Even as a rookie, he's earning a good salary, so buying a new car is no big deal to him.<br /> But I have no job at the moment, and I'm not asking my father for money. He's already letting me stay at his place until I can sort things out. Letting him pay for stuff on top of that is way more than I'm comfortable with. Maybe I can find some kind of telecommuting work until I can get another car.<br /> I go back around to the driver's side, taking out my phone and my insurance card. Brock's already on his phone. "Cops are on the way to take an accident report," he says when he hangs up, "and I've got tow trucks and a cab coming too."<br /> "Tow trucks, plural?" I say.<br /> He shrugs. "They both need it."<br /> "Well, thank you." But he only called one cab. Does that mean ...<br /> "Are you heading to your dad's house?" he says, as if hearing my unspoken question. At my nod, he continues, "We'll drop you off. It's on the way to our place anyway."<br /> "Thanks," I say again. "That's really very kind."<br /> "No big deal." He and Cody exchange another swift glance, and this time I sense the undercurrent flowing between them. Whatever they're thinking, it sends a ripple of awareness down my spine.<br /> The brothers are standing together now, and I can't help but admire the view. Chiseled jaws, skin in matching shades of sun-tanned bronze, strong noses, sensual mouths. They were impressive when I watched them play on TV, but in person their charisma is overwhelming.<br /> My gaze wanders down to the arms like tree trunks, then the tight, narrow waists. They're both wearing gym shorts and t-shirts, the fabric straining against their biceps and thighs. I bet their abs are amazing too. They could be world-class models instead of football players.<br /> Two sets of big, dark brown eyes pin me in place, and suddenly I can't breathe. The moment lengthens until I force myself to look away. My heart is beating way too fast.<br /> Maybe getting in a taxi with the twins is not such a good idea. But the wind is rising, the clouds darker and more threatening. We need to get indoors before the skies open up.<br /> By the time the police and the tow trucks have come and gone, the taxi has arrived, and the air has a bite that makes me shiver. I have my suitcase and purse, but have to cross my fingers that the rest of the stuff in my car will be safe at the repair shop until I can pick it up. Cody puts the suitcase in the cab's trunk, then opens the back door and slides in. Brock gestures for me to go next.<br /> I don't want to make a big deal out of riding up front with the driver after the guys have been so nice to me, so I get in and scoot over to make room. The brothers dwarf me, and when Brock slides in, I'm squeezed between them like I'm the filling in a twin sandwich.<br /> The driver pulls into the crush of traffic. Pressed between the brothers, I'm instantly warm. My whole body starts to tingle, and it's not just from the heat coming off them. I know this because the sensations are strongest right between my legs.<br /> I've never reacted to a man like this before, let alone two of them at once. Maybe all my emotions about Jason are being diverted into lust. Which means it's a really bad idea for me to let this continue.<br /> If they realize how turned on I am, they'll think I'm a freak or a groupie. I don't want to give them any ideas, since I'll doubtless be around them again — I won't miss a game. In my best nice/polite/helpful voice, I say, "I should sit in front."<br /> "Nah," Brock drawls, and the next thing I know he picks me up as if I weigh nothing at all and settles me sideways on his lap, my hip nestled in his crotch. I suck in a breath as electricity jolts through my body.<br /> Excuse me," I say, still struggling for politeness. "I can't sit in your lap." I try to ignore the sensations spiraling from my core out through my body and back again.<br /> "You are sitting in my lap," he points out, like it's no big deal. One of his hands, so big and strong and warm, is curled around my waist, burning through my clothing. The other goes to my head, pressing gently down to tuck me against his neck, then stays tangled in my hair.<br /> He smells like sunshine and clean male sweat. It's intoxicating. My voice comes out all soft and breathy when I say, "I mean it's not appropriate. Please let me go."<br /> "Relax, sugar," he says in that same lazy tone. "We're not gonna hurt you."<br /> The we is not exactly comforting.<br /> Brock's mouth brushes the skin on the side of my neck, making me jolt. Since I can't take them up on their offer, I don't need any more torment. I try to pull away again, but he just tucks me back against his side.<br /> "Easy, Megalicious," he says in that rumble of his. "You're too tense. We need to help you relax."<br /> "You did not just call me — that." I can't even make myself repeat his ridiculous nickname. Who does he think he is? Besides the guy who's making my brain melt, I mean, along with the rest of my body.<br /> Cody chuckles. "How about megagorgeous?" He shifts closer, running a finger up and down my arm. <br /> My system is overloading again, and I can't help squirming some more on Brock's lap. "Yeah, babe," he says. "Let Daddy Brock make you feel better."<br /> "Daddy Brock?" I sputter and then snort with laughter. "You guys are no older than I am. I might even be older than you."<br /> "It's not the years, baby," he says, his lips grazing the sensitive shell of my outer ear. "It's the mileage."<br /> Even as I roll my eyes at him quoting movie lines at me, he turns me so I'm facing forward in the taxi. One arm wraps around my midriff, and his free hand teases the skin just above the waistband of my shorts.<br /> His touch sends sparks shooting right down to my private part. I must have hit my head during the collision harder than I thought. Anger, grief, stress, hormones — can't forget the raging hormones — have apparently shredded every bit of common sense I possess. Because I don't say anything.<br /> All I have to do is open my mouth and tell them, "No." Or "Stop that." And they'd back off, both of them. I know it in my bones. Impossible as it sounds, I feel safe with these two men who are taking such liberties with my body.<br /> I'm letting it happen because I want it to. Because I want them. Because right now, with the rain wrapping the taxi in sheets of water, hiding us in our own little world, all I care about is how they're making me feel.<br /> And how they're making me feel is like a beautiful and desirable woman. Someone worth wanting. Someone Jason was a fool to let go.<br /> Who are you kidding? whispers the self-doubt that's been tormenting me all day, ever since I walked in on Jason and his mistress. You're nothing to them.<br /> I almost listen, almost give in to the crushing weight of my insecurity. But then my phone rings. Cody pulls it out of my purse. "Jason," he says, reading the screen. "Who's that?"<br /> My anger blazes again. "No one," I snap. I grab the phone, hit the Reject Call button, and toss it back in my purse. Jason, and not in a good way. He got his and now I'm getting mine.<br /> I relax against Brock, consciously letting go of my resistance. "That's my girl," he whispers. His hand slips inside my shorts, then under the elastic of my panties, his fingertips teasing the curls above my cherry.<br /> Now that I've decided not to fight it, I'm impatient for more. "Touch me," I whisper back. "Do it."<br /> <br /> There's a car I don't recognize parked in my dad's driveway, a white SUV next to his black one. The guys exchange a glance, but don't say anything. We all get out, and Cody retrieves my suitcase while Brock says to the driver, "Wait here — we'll be back in a few minutes."<br /> "That's okay," I say. "You don't have to come in with me." My dad may not have x-ray vision, but I can't shake the feeling that as soon as he sees us together, he'll somehow know what just happened.<br /> "Just need to ask him a question," Brock says, but there's a twinkle in his eye that fills me with trepidation. He and Cody follow me up the sidewalk, close behind me as if they're afraid I'll slip inside and lock the door on them. They might be right.<br /> My body hasn't stopped humming from those amazing orgasms, and I mentally cross my fingers that my face is blank enough to protect me. Since Dad's expecting me, I open the front door without knocking, the twins still right behind me.<br /> The entryway opens into the living room, with a hallway branching off to the left that goes to the bedrooms, and a doorway on the right that leads to the kitchen. Since the living room is empty, I turn into the kitchen — and stop so fast the brothers bump into me.<br /> My dad's there, and so is a woman I've never seen before. Their arms are around each other; his hands are on her hip. And they're pecking like there's no tomorrow.<br /> I haven't been this shocked since the day I was ten and came home to find my father crying in the living room. Even catching Jason this morning was less of a stunner. My voice is stuck in my throat. I don't know what I'd say anyway.<br /> Brock comes to my rescue by clearing his throat loudly, breaking up the makeout session. My dad's head whips around. "Megan!" he says. He looks confused — understandable, with the Beast Brothers at my back — but also a bit guilty.<br /> "Hi, Dad." I find I can speak now that the silence has been broken. "I did tell you I was almost here." His guilty look increases, and a small part of me is glad because it helps me conceal my own feelings of self-reproach. He comes over to give me a hug, wrapping his arms around me and holding me close. When I called this morning to say I was on my way, he didn't ask any questions; something in my voice must have warned him it wasn't the time. All he said was, "I'll be here."<br /> His unwavering support steadies me, even as the contrast to Jason's betrayal is like a shard of glass in my heart. I squeeze him tighter, overflowing with love and gratitude, but his next words shatter the mood.<br /> "Vivian stopped by after we spoke," he says. "Vivian, I'd like you to meet my daughter Megan."<br /> The woman comes forward, hands outstretched. "It's wonderful to meet you, dear. Your father's told me so much about you."<br /> My first thought is that she looks nothing like my mother. I still have memories of my mom, and lots of old photographs. Not to mention mirrors. I have my mother's auburn curls and curvy build, whereas Vivian is blonde and slender. I'm relieved that there's no resemblance; I'm not sure what I would do if my dad started dating a lookalike.<br /> Her expression, though, puts my back up. Maybe it's my imagination working overtime, but the little smile playing around her lips reminds me of Jason's mistress. He threw her out this morning when I caught them together, but she smirked at me while she strutted out of the house, as if she'd won some kind of victory.<br /> I want to smack Vivian's smile right off her face — which is crazy and wrong. My dad isn't cheating; he's entitled to be happy.<br /> I should be happy that he's met someone after so many years alone. But I'm not. Shoving aside thoughts of what that says about me, I force a smile and say, "It's nice to meet you."<br /> And that's when everything goes from awkward to totally insane.<br /> Because Vivian looks at the twins and says, "Hello, boys. What are you doing here?"<br /> And Cody and Brock say, "Hey, Mom."	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvMTQzODk2	195308346990040	Cha114	https://facebook.com/61553929473251	9	1	434,300,332,611,260	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Cha114	120206949072480258	b.chaptersapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvMTQzODk2LzIwMjQwNDA3MTY1OTQ5L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-07 04:04	https://scontent.fmem1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436454055_964599108606795_533413181594328359_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uTICMN8JQ4sAb6h39kj&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-2.fna&oh=00_AfBe576b2oChmrgD0BYI05UvahNKk8SkQblOuRCuqsv3lw&oe=6618DB54	person_profile	Cha114	https://scontent.fmem1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436238606_4170814789818649_4579100925942045863_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uhL39pNEJ54Ab7OwQky&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-2.fna&oh=00_AfDK47rP_n5s93lOnT6p7jO-utJImy6OPUdSz_KDGthwIA&oe=6618CD4D	3	Cha114	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,165	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011169}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	395727080007521	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I was pregnant for a man who despised me, in love with same man who was in love with someone else, my sham of a marriage was due to end any day now, in less than 8 hours.<br /> "I'll be going to Winsconsin." I said.<br /> "Winsconsin? the factory? Is there a problem?"<br /> "Not really, just to smooth out any potential problems that...would delay supplies." I looked down at my hands.<br /> "When?"<br /> "Tonight."<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> I sagged against the wall of the clinic, not trusting my legs to carry me any further without collapsing in a heap on the floor.<br /> Slowly, as though in a slow motion video, I lifted the picture clutched tight in my left hand and stared at the black and white mass that the nurse had handed over to me after the doctor had pronounced the four words that I had not been expecting at all.<br /> Disbelief and shock and a dozen other thoughts waged a battle in my head. Most prominent thought was 'how?' How could I have gotten pregnant?<br /> Which was a silly question, really. After all I knew all about how babies were made, I wasn't that naive. Still, it had been just the one time, my first time. One time.<br /> A headache bloomed in my temples and I sighed and let my eyes drift shut. Unconsciously, I crumpled the paper in a tight fist, fighting the surge of tears that stung my lids. This was not the time to give in to bouts of self pity, I had to figure out what to do, how to break the news to Aiden and brace myself for what comes after.<br /> I heard footsteps coming towards me and I straightened, unwilling to let anyone see me in this condition. Pale, teary eyed, shaken.<br /> A nurse passed me, giving me a friendly smile and nod and I forced a smile in return. Smoothing out the ultrasound photo, I tucked it into my purse, careful that it would not fall off. A quick glance at my watch had me hurrying down the corridor towards the exit of the hospital. As I stepped outside, my phone beeped a text message from a familiar number.<br /> Are you done?<br /> Aiden. I quickly replied that I was done, quickening my footsteps because I knew the car would already be waiting outside and I didn't want to keep him waiting. He was not a patient man, and I knew he had a meeting scheduled in the next hour.<br /> I caught sight of the gleaming Mercedes already idling at the front entrance to the hospital, drawing admiring and envious gazes. Thanks to the heavily tinted windows, none of them could see the occupants of the car, but I knew Aiden would be in the back seat, watching me approach. Feeling self conscious at all the attention, I walked up to the car just as the driver's door opened and our chauffeur, Martin, came around to open the back door.<br /> "Afternoon Ma'am." Martin intoned in crisp, professional tones as he held the door open.<br /> "Hello Martin," I murmured, distractedly.<br /> The cause of my distraction sat at the other end of the seat, narrowed dark brown eyes, set in a face that many women and men had described as drop dead gorgeous, were trained on me as he watched me almost lose balance and topple head first into the car.<br /> Disapproval oozed from him in waves as he watched my blunder and my cheeks heated from embarrassment, but I managed to right myself just in time to avoid disaster, mumbling an apology that was ignored.<br /> "Did you get the signed contract?" He asked, his voice deep, sliding over my ears like hot chocolate on a cold winter's morning and I had to suppress the thrilling shiver that ran through me. It wouldn't do to let him see how much everything about him affected me. Yes, I was hopelessly in love with him, but I didn't need a fortune teller to tell me my love was neither wanted nor reciprocated.<br /> I bit the inside of my cheek and nodded. "Yes, everything's all set. We should be able to deliver the first batch of lab equipment by the end of month." I fished out my tablet and switched it on, quickly bringing up the signed contract for him to see. "Dr. Mason sends his regards as well."<br /> Aiden merely spared one glance at the screen and nodded. "It's your project. You'll be the main liaison with Vincent at the hospital. Handle it well."<br /> "Of course." I murmured and slid the tablet back in my purse. My fingers brushed the edge of the damning picture that would either be the final nail in the coffin of our marriage, or the start of a new beginning.<br /> <br /> New beginnings...that was merely wishful thinking. I risked a glance at Aiden, my gaze lingering when I noticed he'd leaned back against the headrest and had his eyes shut. He wasn't asleep, but most likely deep in thought as the car began to move smoothly. I took this rare opportunity to study him, committing every single feature on his face to memory because, who knew, the next moment, I could find myself with a broken marriage, alone, pregnant and out of my marital home.<br /> The thought was a knife through my chest and I forced myself to look away, turning to the window to stare at the passing scenery. I noticed then that we weren't on the route back to the office and frowned, puzzled. Aiden had mentioned earlier that he had a shareholder meeting to attend by 2 p.m. and it was already a half past one 'o' clock. The distance from the hospital to Skylark Corp took about thirty minutes barring heavy traffic but it looks like we were headed back home instead.<br /> I looked at Aiden again, intending to ask about our destination, but caught myself before I opened my mouth. I noticed the strained lines around the corners of his eyes, lips pressed tightly together and fell silent. Wordlessly, I opened the mini fridge compartment and pulled out a bottle of chilled water, and from another compartment, got out a pack of aspirin. Squeezing two white pills onto my palm, I uncapped the bottle of water.<br /> "Here." I said, holding out my hand. His eyes opened, confused for a moment then he noticed the pills. His mouth twisted and for a second I thought he was going to reject my offer. Instead, Aiden took the pills and popped them in his mouth. I handed him the water and watched as he drank, transfixed on his throat which bobbed deliciously with every swallow, the motion so unconsciously sensuous that I felt my own throat go dry and forced my gaze away.<br /> I should not be having hot thoughts about my husband. Not when disaster was imminent.<br /> "Thank you." His words broke through my hazy thoughts. I nodded and took back the bottle, screwing the cap back on, my thoughts now back to the issue of my pregnancy and how to break the news...when to break the news to Aiden.<br /> I should do it now, I reasoned silently. Rip off the bandaid and endure the pain that was sure to follow, then get on with my life. It would be better than stewing in uncertainty for god knew how long until I worked up the courage to tell him later.<br /> "Aiden..." My palms began to sweat and I could literally hear my heart pounding in my ears. I swallowed nervously and wiped my sweaty palms on my pants.<br /> Rip off the bandaid.<br /> He looked at me, expression devoid of any emotion. It had always been hard to get a read on Aiden and I usually prided myself on being able to read people with some measure of accuracy. Not Aiden though. He was a block of marble - cold, impenetrable.<br /> "What is it?" There was a hint of impatience in his voice and that made me lose what little nerve I had managed to muster.<br /> "I..." I hated myself for stuttering, because I could see how much it irritated him, if the narrowed eyes and wry twist of his lips was any indication. My hands formed tight fists, nails digging into the soft flesh of my palms, the pain helping to ground me a little. "While I was at the hospital, I stopped by..."<br /> His phone went off, the sound shattering the tense moment and drowning out my words. I fell silent as Aiden cursed under his breath and slid the phone from his inner suit pocket to glance at the screen. In the dim interior of the car, I could easily see the lit up screen and the name of the caller displayed.<br /> Elisa.<br /> A tinge of bile filled my throat at the sight of the name. My shoulders sagged and I looked away, my chest feeling like a vise had clamped down on it, squeezing tight.<br /> "Can it wait?" I heard Aiden ask and I glanced up at him. He was looking at me with that same impatient look, head c**d to one side as he waited for my answer. "I need to take this call, we can talk afterwards."<br /> "Yeah, sure." I said, forcing a lightness to my voice that I didn't feel. I watched as Aiden accepted the call, my throat tight as I noticed the way his voice got softer, the way his tense shoulders relaxed as he listened to the reply on the other end, the hint of a smile that lifted his stern mouth and felt the vice tighten until I could barely breathe.<br /> Unable to bear the sight, I looked away, swallowing down the lump of bitter emotions that threatened to spill over. I let my mind wander again, unwilling to listen to whatever conversation they were having, knowing it would only hurt me more.<br /> <br /> For the second time today, tears welled up in my eyes and once more, I refused to shed them. It must be the pregnancy that was making me so prone to tears, wreaking havoc on my hormones.<br /> I wasn't one to cry easily. I had only cried five times in twenty five years and those had been out of pure grief at losing people I cared about to the cold hands of death. The most recent crying episode had happened a month ago, when Julian Brown, my mentor, friend and the father of the man seated next to me had passed after a long battle with cancer.<br /> The time before that had been when Julian had gathered all of us in his home office to break the news of his cancer diagnosis. That had been two years ago, the same day my life had taken a turn for the worse, or for the better, depending on who you asked.<br /> Knowing he was dying soon, Julian had expressed his desire to see his son married before he left this world. Julian had known of my feelings for his eldest son, had known that I'd fallen in love with Aiden from our first meeting during a thanksgiving dinner with the Brown family.<br /> He would always tease me about it, good naturedly, of course, but never in a million years had I ever imagined that Julian would scheme to bring us together in marriage.<br /> Particularly since he knew well that Aiden did not reciprocate my feelings, that he saw me as merely a friend of the family, someone to be endured and be polite to during the few times we met but nothing more.<br /> I knew where his heart lay. With Elisa Harding, the stunning beauty with brains to match who was his childhood friend, school mate and now his co-worker.<br /> So, when Julian had asked Aiden to get married, I'd assumed, much to my dismay, that Aiden would ask Elisa to be his wife. But Julian had thrown in a wrench in his plans when he'd stipulated that Aiden marry me instead.<br /> Julian had been adamant and refused to change his mind. Not when Aiden had refused at first, not when almost everyone, including myself had pointed out that Elisa would be the better match for Aiden. Not even when I'd privately pleaded with Julian to change his mind because I knew Aiden would never agree to the marriage and I did not want to force myself on him.<br /> Then to my utter shock, Aiden suddenly changed his mind and agreed to the marriage. For a while, I'd been in heaven, foolishly indulging in fantasies that maybe he had come to realize his true feelings for me. I ignored my misgivings, or the fact that he barely spoke more than two sentences to me the entire time we were planning the hasty wedding, or that whenever he looked at me, his face was devoid of expression. I'd fooled myself into thinking it was because he was still coming to terms with his feelings for me.<br /> Then, on our wedding night, Aiden had coldly informed me that our marriage, as far as he was concerned, was nothing but a sham. He'd congratulated me in such cold tones that I'd felt goosebumps all over my skin for manipulating his father and himself into marrying him.<br /> "I suppose congratulations are in order." Aiden had snarled on the ride back from the reception, heading towards our new home, a three storey mansion that was a gift from Julian. "You finally got what you wanted, didn't you?"<br /> I stared at him in confusion. "What are you talking about, Aiden?"<br /> His laugh had been filled with derision. He tugged at his bow tie viciously and I had the sense that he wanted to wrap his hands around my neck instead.<br /> "Cut the innocent words, Jessica," the way he said my name sent cold shivers down my back. "You may have everyone fooled, but I can see through that f***g angelic face."<br /> "Fooled? I...I didn't fool..."<br /> "I said cut the words." he cut in ruthlessly and I'd instinctively shrank back in fright. He followed me, leaning close until our noses almost touched, eyes an icy glint of anger. "Enjoy your victory while it lasts, because the second my father is cold and in his grave, you and I are done."<br /> While I'd struggled to process his harsh words, he moved back to his seat and continued. "This marriage is in name only. We might live together, but do not expect even the slightest consideration from me. As far as I'm concerned, you and I are two strangers who merely share a last name, on a temporary basis."<br /> It didn't matter how many times I'd protested that I had nothing to do with his father's decision and eventually, I'd given up trying to make him understand. We'd lived together as strangers ever since, barely speaking and avoiding each other unless necessary.<br /> Until the night Julian had passed away. Driven by grief, I'd stopped by my best friend's bar and drunk a little more than I could handle. When I stumbled home at one in the morning, I'd met Aiden, who had been drinking too and one thing had led to another and we'd ended up in bed.<br /> I shut my eyes and tried to recall that night, but no matter how hard I tried, I could barely remember our time in bed. The last thing I remembered was standing in the doorway of Aiden's study and that was all.<br /> With Julian dead, I knew it was only a matter of time before Aiden served me with divorce papers. To be honest, I was surprised he didn't give me my marching orders the day after Julian's death, but I reasoned that he was probably waiting for the funeral before he made his move.<br /> The funeral was the day after tomorrow. I felt a stinging pain in my mouth and when I tasted blood, I realized I had chewed on the inside of my cheek so hard to break the delicate skin. Aiden was still on the phone, but it looked like he was rounding up.<br /> With shaky hands, I reached for a fresh bottle of water and took deep gulps.<br /> "I need to head back to the office." Aiden said after hanging up.<br /> "Oh? Is it the shareholder meeting?"<br /> "No, that was rescheduled for tomorrow. Elisa was able to set up an impromptu meeting with the chairman of Linston Healthcare and she wants me to sit in for it."<br /> Of course she does, I mused silently, careful to keep my expression neutral. "Okay. If you need the car, Martin can pull over here and I'll catch an Uber back to the house."<br /> "No need. We're almost at the house, so it shouldn't take too long."<br /> "Will you be back for dinner?' I asked and wished I didn't when he leveled me with a quelling look, mouth twisting in familiar derision. I knew the question was silly, we never ate dinner...or any other meal together, but I'd wanted to know if he would be coming back home tonight or spending the night elsewhere...probably at Elisa's place.<br /> It wouldn't be the first time.<br /> "No, I won't." He replied, curtly.<br /> Cheeks burning - from humiliation and hurt, I nodded and looked away again.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.mylibapps.com/ad/bm92ZWxXb3JsZC8xNDMxODM	115926978277269	Libb001	https://facebook.com/61551002347000	47	1	355,281,580,241,984	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Libb001	120207719801300101	b.mylibapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.mylibapps.com/ad/bm92ZWxXb3JsZC8xNDMxODMvMjAyNDA0MDcxMzU1MDQvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-07 00:57	https://scontent.fmem1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422472859_954456002546236_6702974591242089744_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BunsZZr_DKUAb5nTB3Q&_nc_oc=AdjFiC5ASbbXJxmSA2fnRmvhVMtzoO_HUpf7vO7a4x4F0bwaHnH2DEtdxOr7IFyTEQnX-ft7ArQ1PMYzT9OoRS8W&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-2.fna&oh=00_AfAjQGIAIYmMNMQG9pNrkJoggcp6s1XVC0t_SLhlOKlR7Q&oe=6618FDD3	person_profile	Libb001	https://scontent.fmem1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/422450112_1143429443359437_7951616312657618300_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2ZiTfdKrPH4Ab4wpDoc&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBKTijJZmqq8CMMsCgDvpKA8xuQNJ5BlC4JiKq79c0INg&oe=6618FBA3	3	Libb001	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,170	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011362}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	401525466125775	Click to continue watching👉👉👉	I'm just trying to save my sick kid. Why is it so hard	WATCH_MORE	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.e	258566017343934	Eashort Fantasity	https://facebook.com/61557908425537	0	1	866,295,248,844,406	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Watch more	Eashort Fantasity	120210066952550667	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.esbook.dk	2024-04-07 09:08	https://scontent.fmem1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435989312_766687622097075_2248504239339818417_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aH5RlPjG6wUAb5vZmjE&_nc_oc=AdjOTNjK6Q0XY9zk97FEjbnof2AAZVF7-IUjcUnpoHfguv0VvebIjZAAZMmZKM3cZ-WHFVMICQXNiYhFPNbmoPmG&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-1.fna&oh=00_AfBTLa-bljCalN73oV5lSXhuvoS_ddHC6oElwJqAUxfhCg&oe=6618DCE1	person_profile	Eashort Fantasity	https://scontent.fmem1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435976359_413312647973891_1056666413008118589_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Jq4ccaOBjO0Ab61GB49&_nc_ht=scontent.fmem1-1.fna&oh=00_AfAswGkaYU-t4fCXjQ8hMiBulvG1zUT41tzF4UVosWiJlw&oe=6618C8E8	3	Eashort Fantasity	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,174	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011251}'	No	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	404226789024785	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	Just had a sexual fantasy with my boss. I stand on legs that are just as shaky as he said they’d be. My throat hurts from moaning and I’m sore as all get-out. As I stand, my phone clatters to the floor.<br /> I reach down to pick it up—<br /> And freeze in horror.<br /> Ruslan’s name is lighting up my screen.<br /> And the call is active.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, I’ve been masturbating to the absolute filthiest fantasy I’ve ever had, starring Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> _________________<br /> EMMA<br /> "Do I have your full attention, Ms. Carson?"<br /> I gulp and refocus on my boss. Ruslan Oryolov is glowering—not because I've done anything wrong, but just because that's how he always looks at me.<br /> Actually, that's how he always looks at everyone. I'm pretty sure he's that unfortunate case you always hear moms telling their kids about: he made a sour face once upon a time and it just got stuck like that.<br /> To be fair, this time, he has good reason. He's actually caught me in the middle of a somewhat shockingly violent fantasy about stapling his beautiful lips together with the stapler on his desk and then yeeting him out of his gorgeous thirtieth-story office window.<br /> He'd deserve it. And he only has himself to blame.<br /> Because I am all-caps EXHAUSTED from tending to his every whim today.<br /> I arrived at the office at the buttcrack of dawn this morning. I haven't had more than ten consecutive seconds to myself all day long. And only now, with the clock nearing 9:00 P.M., am I getting anywhere close to the end of this workday from inferno.<br /> Without an IV drip of quad espressos, I would be dust in the wind.<br /> But even with my caffeine addiction, I feel frazzled inside and out. In my head, I'm cursing my past self for being dumb enough to buy these heels half a size too small just because they were on sale. The arches of my feet are ready to commit war crimes in order to be freed.<br /> Ruslan, on the other hand, looks as polished as ever. It's actually offensive how good he looks, despite working like a machine for every bit as long as I have today. His suit is impeccable, as is his dark five o'clock shadow, and the intensity in his scorching amber eyes hasn't dimmed one solitary notch.<br /> "Ms. Carson. I asked you a question."<br /> "Uh, yes," I stammer. "Yes, you have my attention." I glance down at my notepad. "Litigation release needs to go to Mark Vanderberg in Legal first thing in the morning. New chairs have been requested for the boardroom on Floor Seventeen and I will check on delivery dates. I'm moving your 2:00 P.M. to your 11:30, moving your 11:30 to your 7:15, moving your 7:15 to next Thursday, and I'm telling next Thursday's meeting to—and I quote—'go to die.' Did I miss anything?"<br /> Ruslan arches one unfairly gorgeous brow. Seriously—if I could transplant those bad boys onto my own face, I really might. They're dark and expressive and communicate half of his threats without a single word. "I detect a tone."<br /> I keep my own face perfectly neutral. "No, sir. No tone. You specifically requested 'no snark' after the lunch salad debacle last month. I wouldn't forget."<br /> "Hm."<br /> Like his eyebrow, one solitary, not-even-a-word syllable from the infamous Mr. Oryolov, CEO of Bane Corporation, is enough to make grown men dissolve into tears.<br /> I've seen it with my own two eyes. Literally. When I first started here, one of the microchip suppliers that Bane uses for our flagship home security product came in for a meeting and tried to negotiate higher prices. At the end of the idiot's hardball pitch, Ruslan simply lofted an eyebrow and said, "Hm." The man started shaking so badly they had to take him out of the conference room in a wheely chair like it was an ambulance gurney.<br /> He's not the only one. Lord knows Ruslan has brought me to the verge of tears and beyond plenty of times in the eighteen months I've been working for him.<br /> Everyone warned me before I took the job that it wouldn't be easy. His last three personal assistants lasted six, four, and zero-point-five months, respectively, before running screaming for the hills. There's a rumor that one of them is still checked into in-patient therapy somewhere up in Vermont.<br /> Suffice it to say, everyone was right. Life under Ruslan Oryolov's scrutiny is not easy. It starts early and ends late. It's harsh. Fast-paced. He doesn't say "please" and he doesn't know the meaning of "thank you."<br /> But I've stuck around for one reason and one reason only: I have to.<br /> That's not quite the whole truth, actually. I stuck around for three reasons. And their names are Josh, Caroline, and Reagan.<br /> I glance down and look at the lock screen of my phone where it rests in my lap. Three smiling faces stare back at me. Five-year-old Reagan just lost her front tooth and the little goober has her tongue sticking out through the gap. Caroline is only six, but she's already practicing her "smizing" and chin-tucked selfie poses. She's going to break so many boys' hearts as soon as I let her get an Instagram account. Josh, at eight, is the oldest—but you'd think by looking at him that he's a decade older than that, even. It's something in his eyes. A hauntedness. A chill. A stony sense of responsibility that doesn't belong on a boy who's too young to grow armpit hair.<br /> Losing your mom will do that to you.<br /> I would know—sort of—because losing my sister has certainly done it to me.<br /> I do the math in my head quickly. It's March 9th right now and Sienna died in September three years ago. So that's three years, six months, and four days since I last hugged her or heard her laugh.<br /> Three years, six months, and four days since I went from Auntie to Momma in the blink of an eye.<br /> Three years, six months, and four days since my life changed forever.<br /> Ruslan stands and shoots his cuffs. It's effortless, just like everything else he does. You'd be forgiven for thinking he's a model for GQ. He cracks his knuckles, then his neck, watching me the whole time.<br /> I sit in my chair and focus on my breathing.<br /> Eighteen months is long enough that I thought my infatuation would have worn off by now. I'd have thought wrong, though. If anything, he's even more beautiful than he was the day I first walked in.<br /> I still remember how that went. I rounded the corner and stopped, dumbstruck and drooling like a lunatic. This man ran the biggest home security enterprise in the world? Were we sure he wasn't a Hollywood body double?<br /> For his part, Ruslan took one look in my direction before asking, "Are you going to make my life easier or harder, Ms. Carson? If it's the latter, don't even bother setting your stuff down; just turn back while you still can."<br /> That pretty much set the tone for our working relationship.<br /> "I'm leaving," Ruslan announces back in the present moment. "Make sure the folders are set out for the department head meeting in the morning." He rounds the desk and strides toward me. My heart quickens when he gets close enough for me to smell his cologne. Today's is woodsy. Smoky. Crisp.<br /> "Yes, sir," I croak quietly.<br /> "Oh," he adds, "I also need my tuxedo brought to the penthouse on 48th. Tonight."<br /> "Tonight?" I balk. "But I have to—"<br /> He's already gone. Swishing out the door without bothering to look back. The only thing left behind is the trailing tendrils of his cologne.<br /> * * <br /> An hour later, I am the walking dead. Every nerve ending in my feet is on fire. I trekked my booty across town to Ruslan's tailor, picked up his tuxedo, and trekked back to Midtown to his penthouse.<br /> When the elevators let me out directly into his foyer, I release a sigh. One final task on this Tuesday custom-designed by Satan.<br /> Not that tomorrow will be any different.<br /> My shoes clack as I walk down the marble flooring and emerge into the living room. It's floor-to-ceiling glass windows on three sides, so I can see the entire city wrapped around me, bejeweled and glistening in the night. The furniture and finishes are every bit as gorgeous as the man who owns this place—and every bit as brutal. It's all black matte and sharp edges. Grotesque modern contorted sculptures in the corners. Grotesque modern contorted paintings on the walls.<br /> I once looked up the price he paid for this place and almost threw up in my mouth. It had a few too many zeroes for my comfort level. The most sickening part of all is that he comes here once a month at most, usually with one of his many actress/influencer/model dates on his arm. It's pretty much just the world's most expensive f.uckpad.<br /> I drape the suit over the back of his black suede couch. It's weird being here, in Ruslan's personal space. It smells mostly like cleaning product, but I swear, every time I turn around, I catch just a whiff of that cologne again.<br /> It's making my head swim.<br /> I want so badly to curl up on the suede couch and sleep for the rest of my life. But I have to keep moving. People are counting on me. Three little ones in particular.<br /> So sleep is off the list. My next thought is how nice it would be to get some kind of petty vengeance against the bosshole from inferno for the wringer he's put me through today.<br /> My sister wouldn't have hesitated for a second.<br /> * <br /> "Sienna, don't you dare pee on his car!"<br /> But my sister was already clambering up on the hood in her way-too-short, way-too-pink nightclub dress, cackling like a madwoman. I was mortified. Her laugh was infamous across campus, so I had no doubt that someone was going to recognize it, open their dorm window, and look out in the East Campus parking lot to see the Carson sisters up to no good, as per usual.<br /> Correction: Sienna was the one who was always up to no good. I was the one who was always trying to rein her in. Not that it helped; Sienna did what she wanted.<br /> Always had. Always would.<br /> And when she saw my dirty, rotten, cheating ex's car gleaming in the primo parking spot, it sparked an idea that she absolutely refused to ignore.<br /> Which is how I ended up holding her hand for balance as she squatted on Tommy's Range Rover and let loose.<br /> I can't say he didn't deserve it; this just wouldn't have been my preferred method of vengeance. "Screw that," Sienna said when I told her that living well was the best form of revenge. "Don't get even; get ahead. That's my motto."<br /> When she had relieved herself of a long night's worth of cranberry vodkas, I helped her back down to the asphalt. "You're insane," I informed her. "Absolutely clinical."<br /> "And yet you love me. What does that say about you?"<br /> "Nothing good," I muttered.<br /> "Shut up. Say it. Say you love me." She made kissy faces at me and, when I refused, she tickled me in the spot under my ribs that I'd hated since we were little.<br /> "Fine! Fine! I love you!" I shrieked.<br /> Only then did she relent.<br /> "Good. I love you, too, Em. You're the stars to my moon. Never forget that."<br /> Then, just for good measure, she mooned me. We laughed—her laugh and mine, two sides of the same coin, filtering up and out into the night beyond.<br /> I never imagined a life without her. I never thought I'd have to.<br /> * *<br /> I'm not Sienna; I'm not going to pee on Ruslan's fifty-thousand dollar couch. And, as of three years, six months, and four days ago, she's not here to do it for me.<br /> With a sigh, I turn and slump out.<br /> It's a long subway ride from gleaming Midtown to my dirty, cramped apartment building in H.ell's Kitchen. When I get there, it's a long walk up the four flights of stairs because, of course, the elevator is broken yet again. I'm almost literally sexually aroused at the prospect of a REM cycle—but when I open the door, I realize with a molar-grinding horror that sleep is a long way away.<br /> My apartment is an absolute disaster.<br /> spirits bottles are scattered everywhere. The kids' clothes are mildewing in the wash. The kitchen sink is stacked high with dirty plates.<br /> I don't have to look far to find the culprit. Ben, my sister's widower, is passed out in the corner armchair. A half-finished smoking dangles from between his fingertips and the other hand is clutching the dregs of a lukewarm Bud Light. I march over and pluck both from him, stubbing the smoking out in the ashtray and hurling the spirits into the recycling bin. He startles for a second before sinking right back into an open-mouthed snore.<br /> Ben. The bane of my existence, no pun intended. There's a reason he's not on the lock screen of my phone. A reason I try not to think about him whenever I can help it.<br /> He took Sienna's death hard. That's no surprise; we all did. When someone is that bright of a personality, it's hard not to feel like you're living in the shadows once they're gone.<br /> But the kids and I have soldiered on, no matter how much it hurts.<br /> Ben, on the other hand, is wallowing in the mud. He was fired from his job, so now, all he does is drink and smoke and mutter to himself around the clock—which he does here, since he couldn't afford the mortgage on their house with no income. When he deigns to parent his own children, he does it like a fairytale ogre, all spit-flecked bellowing and flying off the handle at the least little thing. He made Reagan cry the other day because her scrunchie snapped while he was trying to do a ponytail for her. As if that was her fault.<br /> I keep telling myself to have grace. He's going through a dark time. He'll come out of it.<br /> At least, I hope he will. Truth is, I was never a huge fan of his in the first place. I found ways to tolerate him for Sienna's sake, because there's nothing I wouldn't have done for my sister.<br /> Without her, though... it's harder.<br /> I shake my head. It's not good to let myself dwell on these ruts. Nothing good will come of wondering why this is the hand I've been dealt. I just have to do the work. Silently and unthanked, sure. But the world isn't built to be kind to people like me.<br /> So I drop my purse, roll up my sleeves, and do what I can to make it kind to people like Josh, Caroline, and Reagan.<br /> spirits bottles go in the trash. Clothes go in the dryer. Dishes get scrubbed and toweled and put back in the cabinets, and little by little, the mess dwindles. In the corner, the clock hand ticks past 1:00 AM. I need to be back at Bane by quarter to six. With crosstown traffic, that means I'm looking at three hours of sleep max before I have to be up and running again.<br /> By the time I finish, 1:00 AM has become 2:30. I zombie-walk my way down the hall. My room beckons, but before I can succumb to sleep, I have to check on the littles.<br /> The girls' room is the first one on the right. I open the door and peek in.<br /> Caroline is asleep on the top bunk. Her hand is dangling down, so I tiptoe across the thrifted pink shag rug and tuck it back up on the mattress so the monsters won't get it. I pause and listen, but her breathing is practically imperceptible when she's K.O.'d. The first night I had her under my roof, I was terrified that she'd died in my care.<br /> When I'm satisfied she's comfortable, I crouch down to peer at Reagan. Her hair has fallen over her eyes. I smooth it away. Unlike Caroline, she's a snorer. She's got a real honk-shoo-honk-shoo-mimimi pattern to her sleep breathing, like one of Snow White's dwarves. My little angel. Those cherry apple cheeks are so pinchable. Just like Sienna's.<br /> I wonder if Rae even remembers her mom. She was so young when we lost her.<br /> I retreat back out into the hall and pull the door shut silently behind me. Then I step down and slowly push open Josh's.<br /> I frown. His bed is empty, the sheets smoothed over and tucked in neatly at the edges. He does that himself every morning without fail, though no one has ever actually asked him to, as far as I'm aware. But if he's not in bed, where is...?<br /> Ah. I glance over to see him with his face pressed against the desk. He's out cold, his hands still fiddling with something in his lap. I'm confused about what it is until I walk over and pull the bundle out from under him.<br /> When I do, my heart breaks.<br /> It's his basketball shoes. They were in rough shape when we got them from the thrift store, but now, they're straight-up ruined. There are gaping holes on either sole, with wads of paper towels and duct tape fashioned into some kind of stopgap. He must've been trying to fix the damage when he fell asleep.<br /> A tear leaks down my cheek. Since he came to me, he's never done one single, solitary thing for himself. Everything he does is for his sisters. He makes Reagan eat her vegetables and he helps Caroline paint her nails. He does his chores and theirs. He checks their homework. He's eight years old and he's the last thing holding this broken family together.<br /> So when he shyly admitted to me that he wanted to play basketball this year, I wanted so badly to make that happen for him.<br /> But the money just couldn't work.<br /> Ruslan pays me well, but New York City is expensive and New York City with three growing children (plus one adult-sized baby drinking all the spirits) is even more expensive than that. Money just seems to disappear, leaking out through a million different holes. Clothes for school, utilities, rent, and this and that and the other.<br /> Here one second. Gone the next.<br /> Josh knows that. I don't even have to ask to guess that's why he was trying to fix his shoes himself instead of asking me to buy him a new pair.<br /> I sink to the floor with my back against the wall and burst into tears. I do it silently because I don't want to wake him, but the sobs come from somewhere deep, deep down.<br /> I hate how ashamed I am of these tears. Why should I be? If anyone has a reason to cry, it's me. My boss is an arrogant prick and my sister is dead and her husband is more of a burden than a help and I have three innocent kids I'm doing my best to raise right but I can't seem to catch a break and I need sleep and food and more coffee and a vacation and a fresh start and—the list just goes on. One reason for each of my thousand tears.<br /> It's only when they start to dry up that I force myself to think optimistically. What would Sienna say? I wonder.She can't answer, of course, but I have some guesses.<br /> Things will get better. They have to.<br /> They sure ccan't get any worse.<br /> EMMA<br /> "Auntie Em! Auntie Em, wake up."<br /> I come to with a start. The sun is slanting in through the blinds and I have absolutely no freaking idea what planet I'm on. I feel a sharp line of pain on my cheek. It takes me a long moment to realize that it's because I have a shoelace plastered to my skin. I peel it off with a wince and look up to see Josh standing over me.<br /> "Auntie Em, it's 7:45. We're late for school."<br /> I leap to my feet—and promptly fall right back, because my legs are completely numb from sleeping in such a weird fetal position, curled up at the foot of Josh's desk like a dead cockroach.<br /> The next fifteen minutes are a blur. I get the girls up and dressed in the least coordinated outfits in the history of parenting. I hurl random food into their lunchboxes with no regard for nutritional value. And then we're all sprinting out the door.<br /> Ben, needless to say, doesn't so much as lift a finger to help.<br /> I get the evil eye from the receptionist at the kids' school when I drop them off well into first period, but she can shove her judgment up her hip. I just pop a peck on each of their foreheads and then turn to haul to Bane.<br /> I get another evil eye from the lobby receptionist there, too, but I don't quite realize why until I'm in the elevator up to the thirtieth floor and I catch sight of my reflection in the polished bronze.<br /> I look like an absolute bad show. My hair is a rat's nest on my head and my blouse is on backwards. The fashionable one-shoulder cutout is framing my frayed bra strap instead of a tasteful slice of arm.<br /> Wet street dogs are more put-together than I am.<br /> It's way too late to go back now, though. I can already imagine Ruslan's eyebrow. It's probably halfway up his scalp by now. His voice is going to be absolutely frigid when he hears me come stumbling in. Something like:<br /> "You have got to be kidding me."<br /> Wait. That wasn't my imagination. That was actually his voice.<br /> I open my eyes and turn around to realize that the elevator doors have opened—and who should be standing there but my beloved, benevolent boss?<br /> Sure enough, his eyebrow is locked and loaded and that cruelly sharp jaw of his clenched so tight that I wonder idly if he has a good dentist on speed dial.<br /> I open my mouth to defend myself, but what is there even to say? "I'm sorry," I blurt. "I fell asleep after—It was a long night and—I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry."<br /> He doesn't so much as blink. "I expect you to dress appropriately for your job, Ms. Carson," he growls. "Not do the walk of shame through my building."<br /> I frown. "The walk of—? Hold on. No, that's not what this is. I didn't—"<br /> "You're wearing yesterday's skirt and flaunting your undergarments like you think you can seduce your way out of being—" He checks his watch. "—two and a half hours late. I'm not sure if you think I'm stupid or easy. I'm also not sure which of those two would offend me more."<br /> One word snags my attention. "Seduce?" I parrot stupidly.<br /> Out of nowhere, thoughts of what it would look like to seduce Ruslan Oryolov come prancing through my head.<br /> Wrapping his tie around my fist and bringing that smirking snarl down to my lips for a taste.<br /> Lying back on his desk, pencil skirt hiked above my hips, while he shoves my panties to the side and devours me like his last meal.<br /> On my knees on his office carpet as he stands over me and—<br /> "Ms. Carson, I'm not interested in your explanations. Go do your job. Before I find someone else to do it for you."<br /> With that, he brushes past me and gets on the elevator. I turn and look dumbly at him as the doors close on his face. The last thing I see is the arrogant slant of his mouth.<br /> Then that, too, disappears.<br /> My cheeks are burning red for the rest of the day. Luckily, I have an extra cardigan at my desk, so I'm able to cover up the worst of my wardrobe malfunction.<br /> But my phone keeps pinging all day long with messages from Ruslan. Do this. Send that. Fax this. Email that. He's as unbearable as ever. Everything from the expiration date on his coffee creamer to the status of the conference room chairs he's so anal about merits yet another scathing comment from him. And after yesterday's nightmare, I'm running on fumes.<br /> My only saving grace is that he has a gala tonight, so he's scheduled to leave the office at 5:00 P.M. sharp. I'm counting down the last ten seconds until the clock strikes five like I'm a Times Square partier on New Year's Eve.<br /> "Seven... Six... Five... Four... Three... Two... One..."<br /> Ping. Another text. I moan and look down to see the devil's name pop up on my phone.<br /> RUSLAN: My office. Now.<br /> Goddammit. I was so close.<br /> Sighing, I get up and slink inside.<br /> "Shut the door," he orders. It's dark in here. The curtains are sealed tight and the temperature is Arctic. He's a mass of shadows behind his desk, huge and fragrant. The only thing I can see is the sharp light of his amber eyes.<br /> "Sit." A shadowy hand points at the chair across from his desk.<br /> I perch at the edge of the seat in question. My nerves are buzzing and frayed. I'm so, so tired. But I can't show him that. Matter of fact, I refuse to show him that.<br /> I won't give the smug prick the satisfaction of thinking he's outlasted me.<br /> "I asked you yesterday if I had your full attention," he begins. "I'm not so sure I do. So let me say this: if your priorities lie anywhere other than this company, then I will find a new assistant. I'm not a nice man, Ms. Carson. So believe me when I tell you that this is not the kind of place where you get three strikes before something bad happens. You mess up once—you're gone. Am I making myself clear?"<br /> I swallow. "Yes, sir."<br /> He nods. "Good. Be here on time tomorrow. Dress like you intend to keep your job. Now, if you'll excuse me... there's the door."<br /> He looks down at his phone and poof, it's like I don't exist anymore.<br /> But I. Am. Pissed.<br /> He doesn't know what I'm going through. He doesn't know Ben is snoring and farting in my living room, or that three little kids are waiting on me to pick them up from after-school care. He doesn't know that I buried my sister or that I'm barely keeping my head above water. He doesn't know anything.<br /> "No." I blurt it before I can think better of it. "No. No. I'm not some little worm under your shoe, Mr. Oryolov. I'm a—I mean. I'm a person! I have a life and hobbies and people who depend on me. I'm real! So I'd appreciate it very much if you'd pull your smug head out of your smug prick and treat me with some respect for once."<br /> Ruslan blinks.<br /> Blinks.<br /> Blinks.<br /> "Is there something else, Ms. Carson?"<br /> That's when I realize that my whole little tirade took place entirely in my head. It wasn't real. All imagined. Just a pleasant little detour to a fantasy land where I give him my two cents and then some.<br /> I swallow past the nasty taste in my throat and stand. "No, sir," I say quietly. "Nothing at all."	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1,011,189	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011230}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	418219714131380	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	After the doctor's office, I stared out the window crying, I am alone, jobless, and pregnant and today I am a newly divorced woman. The words from my ex-husband still lingered in my ears.<br /> "I know you cheated on me, Malia! I saw the pictures!"<br /> I laughed inconsolably. If he loved me truly he would have gone to me for verification instead of bedding himself with 3 sluts.<br /> I was getting scared. This wasn't the husband I knew at all.<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> It was five in the afternoon I'm just arriving from the ladies banquet. Mason had me attend these silly meetings to give a proper presentation of a powerful man's wife. Since I love him dearly and I love seeing that man happy...i go. At first I thought it would such but turns out it was a great committee with women that were lively and friendly and my friends. I never thought after a three year marriage I would be apart of a prestigious organization of women. Something I am very proud of.<br /> Mason and I met back in college I graduated with a Masters of Arts in fashion and him of course business and politics. I was amazed by the way when we met I the outcast girl with big glasses and loose clothing had grabbed the attention of a god-like looking man... literally.<br /> •Memory•<br /> I was in my final year and working on a project line. My class was preparing for the night to have models walk the catwalk in our designs. I noticed him but he never saw me. the girl with the hair up in a bun, jeans, and a shirt that made me look bigger then what I am but it never bothered me. I was comfortable in my clothing. One of the models happen to be his weekly flame was trying one of my dressed when she fell and twisted her ankle.<br /> "That is why i don't wear 4-inch heels on a daily base." I said as my instructor looked at me "Go on and put the dress on." she said strictly. "NO! she's fat she'll break the dress!" Liv, Mason's "girlfriend," said trying to walk. By the time my instructor could say anything I was already in the back fitting into my own design.<br /> Nervous and shy I slowly stepped out the pearly white dress hugged my curves in the right spots and my small frame fit perfectly. As they were arguing, I could see Mason trying to calm Liv down. When he stopped and looked up he looked in awe like he saw someone more beautiful than me? though I was the only one on the stage. My instructor Ms. Viola turned around and smiled "OH Malia! you look dazzling in your dress!" the dress was a wedding gown. a strapless mermaid dress with transparent white material for the train. Ms. Viola came onto the stage and loosened up my hair letting my chocolate brown hair cascade down. I smiled and giggled and frowned when she took my glasses off. "There's the beauty you hide." she said making blush. She turned to the crowd "Doesn't she look beautiful and she designed the dress! Such Talent!" She said clapping that the elements with the light and fabric material combine well.<br /> I looked down and see Mason still staring at me. Blushing I am escorted out so I can change out of my dress and into my clothes. As I walked off the stage my friend Dalia came took a rubber band and tides my shirt back in a knot. "There much better...dont take it off it's my birthday remember," she said giving me the death glare. smiling i saluted her and went back to finishing preparations.<br /> That night it was a huge success and i received a scholarship for my designs by a local designer. only 3 semesters to go. I am going places already. As the night ended and everyone has gone out to the after-party I drove to a local cafe called "Millie's" and order my favorite soy chai tea latte. As I sat at a booth alone sketching a new design that occurred to me someone joined me. I looked up and there he stood Mason Michealson in the flesh, in my favorite booth as I call it.<br /> "Um hi," I said shyly<br /> "Hello I'm Mason." he said as if I didn't know who he was! The whole campus knows who he is.<br /> "I'm Malia." I replied back.<br /> "I know who you are." that's a miracle. "Your the designer who looked absolutely stunning in her own wedding design...is that your idea for a wedding dress?" he asked me.<br /> I froze "Ummm no my idea is more historically elegant." I responded as I turned the page over and showed him my dream dress. "this is my dress" there was a paused as he..what it looks to be a man appreciating my work of art. "Hopefully one day it will come alive....if i ever get married that is." I said looking down. He looked up at me as I took a sip of my latte. "You would look beautiful in this dress and the man that marries you is going to be lucky," he said. My eyes widen in shock, did he! did he just. Say that! HE DID!<br /> "If I ever find him." I said looking down as I took my drawing back.<br /> "Maybe you just did." my heart stops after those words. I think he's drunk or high on something! He can't ..I...I ...I'm not his type. My nerves are getting to me oh god. I suddenly stood up and grabbed my belongings and dashed out for my life. He's a player he has a history and a reputation with the girls on campus. I could just be his next game. No, No I am not that kind of girl.<br /> I unlocked the car and open the car door. "Malia don't go I didn't mean to scare you." I stopped in place and turned around to face him. " I'm not scared of what you said I'm scared of you. I know of your player history a different girl every week or day I'm not that kind of girl who's going to let myself be swooped away by some guy who's being extra nice to me when I've seen how you behave with others..so rude and cold. I am not a conquest... I want forever and you can't give me forever regardless of your pretty words. I have a brain compare to your "girlfriends" I said as and got into my car and left him.<br /> After that, he was persistent to win me and in the end, he did. We got married a month after graduating both with honors in our field. Three years of heavenly bliss. He was my first real love, first buss, first experience. I thought it was going to be forever.<br /> I walked into our home and headed up the stairs to change for the evening. As I head up the stairs hearing noises that I only hear when Mason and I are doing....things in private. I walk down the hall to see multiple sets of clothes scattered on the floor. My heart stops and I look at the door into my bedroom where the noises is coming from. The moaning and groaning and the sounds of pleasure. A tear race down as suddenly takes the doorknob and open the door. Gasping from both sides his eyes weren't with panic they were calmed like he didn't care. He was in bed with three women all blonde just like the women he uses to go after before we started our relationship.<br /> I couldn't say a word so I left I ran for my life and almost stumbled down the stairs. Screaming as my knees hit the floor. I got up and ran out of the back and towards the lake. Clouds were moving in as it started to rain. I stood my dock letting the rainfall on my hoping that I could just die. When it started to thunder I walked back to the house...his house. He was in the living room worrying yelling out orders. As I walked in I shivered as the cold air introduces me "home" all eyes are on me. His eyes were glaring at me, what's his problem I didn't cheat on him.<br /> "Mrs. Rose bring me a tea please to the guest room and Chester I'm going to change and I'll need boxes up in the bedroom so I can pack my belonging," I said walking past them not saying a word to Mason. As I passed him he grabbed my arm, "Packing! Where are you going to your lover!" he said with pain and anger in his voice "Lover? What are you talking about? No, my parents." I said taking my arm back and I left him standing there.<br /> After my hot shower and I was I warm clothes I stared at the bed of the guest room thinking of what to do next. How could he? "What's his name?" I look behind him looking baffled. "Who?" I simply respond.<br /> "Don't play games with me, Malia! I know you cheated on me! I saw the pictures!" so confused and dizzy I shook my head. "Me cheating are you drunk?" His eyes blazed with anger as he took me by my shoulders and shook me violently. "Don't Lie TO Me!" scared I closed my eyes and cried as I figured it out. He cheated on me because he believes I cheated on him. His hands were going down to my stomach pressing in hard and instinctively I pushed him away and slapped him. "I want the divorce and I never ever want to see you again....as always you assume before asking questions." Just in time, Chester comes in with Mrs. Rose. After an hour in I was gone...he didn't even say goodbye. The worst part I was expecting him to do so. I am so foolish, I shouldn't be hard on myself the signs were there. Sighting, I started thinking about my future and how I was going to survive and obviously not off my soon-to-be-ex-husband no way.<br /> I didn't kill myself studying for nothing. I still have connections and I am amazingly enough a fashion figure. I can do this I will survive...just like the song. Chester dropped me off at my parents who graciously allowed me to stay for a few days.<br /> The next morning a week later I woke up with a text from my still husband to meet at the lawyer's office. Three hours later I was back in my tight jeans and white tank top with a loose dark green cotton sweater and grey high heels. I got used to them .... I'm addicted now hush.<br /> The heels of my shoes clicked against the stone floor as I walked into the lawyer's office. Upon entering I had to witness Mason flirting with the lawyer. Gah! I quietly enter and slammed the door. "Mason stop flirting with every living breathing thing you can start again in momentarily right?" Shocking them both with my entrance. "Op didn't expect me to be so early..... too bad chop-chop assemble the papers I have an appointment after here," I said as I approached the chair and sat down crossing my legs. I just happen to be wearing his favorite shoes. Noticing how he was moving in his chair.<br /> As the lawyer or Ms. Renee explained I will be left with nothing but ten thousand dollars that were already in my bank account. So I had no say what so ever. MEN, Once we signed the papers I looked at him and looked away and walked out of the office. I was halfway down the hall when he came after me.<br /> "Malia." I don't know why I stopped but I did. Turning around to face him "What is it, Mr. Michealson." I said almost formally. "This happened because of you." He had the nerve to do this. I was about to open my mouth when i suddenly became dizzy. "MALIA!" he took hold of me to keep me from falling. "Let me go! I'm fine Mason." I took a deep breath. "Sorry... I...I. I haven't eaten much since I left your house...actually nothing at all amazing that I'm still standing...why am I telling you I am not your business anymore." I laughed inconsolably then stopped and slapped across the face with tears streaming down. "You are a jerk" emphasizing the word oh so humbly. "If you loved me truly you would have gone to me for verification instead of bedding yourself with 3 sluts which I hope you get checked for any STDs, but then again not my problem your not my husband anymore....you Brute!" I said finishing off my rant. I turned on my heels and left the office and left to meet with my mom for the doctor's appointment.<br /> After the doctor's office I stared out the window crying, I am alone, jobless, and pregnant and today I am a newly divorced woman.<br /> <br /> "You need to tell him or at least let him know." Livia said as she rubbed my back. I sniffle and dried my tears away nodding. I looked at her and closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Your right...he has the right to know at least," I told her. "And I am going to do that right now," I said as I stood up and walked over to my closet picking out jeans and a comfortable red plaid blouse along with grey flats. "Why now? Why not later? Livia asked trying to block my way from my dresser. "Because I want to get this over with and I have work remember at the cafe later in the afternoon," I said as I made my way behind her and cleaned up my face and applied the most natural amount of makeup on with a pale pink matte and shine on my lips. "I'll go tell your mom you're going out," she said leaving the bedroom. "Thank you," I said as I grabbed my handbag.<br /> An hour later I arrived at The Michealson Inc. As I walked into the lobby I walked right pass everyone with all eyes on me. I suppose they're wondering what's the ex-wife doing here. I didn't care at all I stepped into the elevator. With a group of executives "Gentlemen and ladies." I said politely as they returned a hello or nod. We were only 20 floors up and left with three executives. "Please make sure Mason remembers he has the private Humanity charity gala and that he is required a date," I said remember the gala we were supposed to go together to...I don't know why I even remember.<br /> Cheese and sprinkles the elevator doors open and that horrible cucumber lotion smell came rushing into my nostrils. That sense! Making me dizzy, I never liked cucumber lotion has a Halloween type smell, nauseous much.<br /> As I walk out I see Maddy polite smiling face turn into a frown to glare. I walked to her desk as everyone stopped and stared at me "Good day Maddy I need to see Mason is he in his office?" I asked kindly. Rudely she replies "Yes but he's with his "client," she said "Why don't you leave and go with your lover." she said all brave and bold. Behind her, I could hear a couple of the other assistants cheer her on. "Excuse me?" I wasn't confused about the accusations of me having a lover but my ex-husband secretary to know this private information. "Your not the bosses wife you can...." The doors open and out came Elizabeth Renee aka the divorce lawyer with a smiling ex-husband of mine. She was blushing and smiling in her black dress addressing her curves to the world. They didn't see me which is weird I'm the human in plaid!<br /> Mason leaned in and busses her. My heart broken into million pieces, but then my mind click he's just using her she will be gone by next week. Clearing my throat his eyes widen when he saw me. Ms. Renee blushed and left instantly. " I need to talk to you privately," I said stepping forward. "Make an appointment then Maddy schedule her in nine or in three years I don't know you decide on some month on the 16 at 10:30 am," he said as Maddy nodded and typed in the information "oh and I took the liberty of calling every fashion-related agencies with the assistance of one of my assistants who volunteered to help to not hire you so I hope you enjoy minimum wage.." He said like my dreams didn't matter to him anymore. That is his revenge..my blood boiled, I worked my hip in college to fulfill my dreams and now that he...he..he.I just want to die! My dreams, my goals, my baby! How am I supposed to raise a child on my own if I have multiple jobs and not the field I love! get a minimum wages job and work my life and miss all the important milestone of my baby. He hit it! Please prepare for an ultimatum.<br /> "Maddison cancels that appointment I won't be able to attend I might be in labor alone in nine months or busy with a small child in three years," I said boldly. My words stopped everyone and everything around me. Mason stopped and looked up and saw the tear streaming down.<br /> "Your lying you can't be! That's not my child. I'm sure it's your lover's child! You bimbo!" he yelled out again he hit the button again.<br /> I walked up to him and in front of all his employees and clients I slapped him across his angelic and God-like face. "NEVER IN YOUR MISERABLE LIFE CALL ME A bimbo AGAIN!" I shouted.<br /> "I only came here to inform you that I am having YOUR child! But please clear this one detail for me....what is the man's name that I supposedly cheated on you on? hmm, cause I have no idea who he is!" I said with all honesty. The people around me, I can hear their whispers, their gossip. Mason just stood there stuck his shocked expression. "Madison I'm sure you know what's the jerk's name? Since you obviously know all the gossip of the office and everything right?" I said giving her my death glare. "Alejandro Posada" she even took the newspaper with the picture and article even. I looked over it and it looks so familiar and then it clicked I remember him, I remember that day. I looked up at Mason and started laughing, "I regret the day I let your playboy hh intiio my heart!" I said I held the paper up and made the announcement, "This is a set up because on that day I was in there with Chief Botiago and Alejandro Posada was trying the women's committee samples for the charity we went too together three months ago and I was designing another "Michealson design" remember his mother's party, Mason? The dress she wore?" I shook my head as people started to realize what I was saying. "Your gullible and insecure hip has been greatly manipulated."<br /> "You destroy our marriage, my trust, and ruin my future!" I walked away with paper in hand and I stop turning around. "Look at me! Look at me real good Mason because this is the last time you will ever see my face and the child I hold here he or she will never know you! And know that it is your fault." I said as I left the lobby and went straight to the elevator. Mason shouted my name and ran towards me. I wanted to turn around and forgive him but the doors open and I stepped in and I was gone. I managed to sneak out of the building without being seen but they saw me they just didn't say anything!<br /> I stopped by a cafe shop and order a fruit platter before heading into my upcoming shift. As I ate I think fate struck me, it was him Alejandro Posada walked through those doors. My teary eyes met with his dark brown eyes. "You" he walked over to me and he looked down at the table seeing the paper.<br /> "I heard about your marriage I am so sorry," he said kindly. Sighting, I wiped my tears away. "It's ok I'll survive just need to find another job and go to the health department..I'm divorced and pregnant," I told him his eyes widen as my tears just rained on.<br /> "You'll find a job you're an extraordinary designer." I smile, "Mason blocked all my ties to the fashion world I called 10 companies and all said, "No we're not hiring" but I can hear their lies." I Wiped more tears away as he looked down. " I just want a new life and to disappear and never be seen again with my baby." And suddenly his head looked up "I have an idea", he leaned into me and whispered, "Marry me?" I blinked several times "what" flabbergasted I cocked my head confused and all. "Just say yes, I can give you my name and help you regain your name in the fashion world anonymously, and your baby will have a family and security," he said it all sounded nice but I don't love him.<br /> "I'm sorry, but no I won't marry you I don't even have feelings for you only as a friend," I said truthfully. Alejandro nodded. "I'm ok with that I'm gay anyway so the feeling is mutual. I'm not opposed to living a lie I've been doing it my whole life thanks to my grandparent's old values," he said clearing it up. It all made sense now literally why he was never seen with women but a few but mostly men.<br /> "What do you say disappear off the planet..which I mean country, raise your baby in a safe environment, make your designer dream come true, make a comeback, and inherit me as your best friend and "husband" hmm" I laughed as another man joined us.<br /> "This is my boyfriend," he said in a whisper "Jonathan, Jonathan this is my "future wife," he said as he gave him a crazy look. " I didn't even give you an answer!" I said quickly. "I'm just assuming you'll say yes so I can finally go to my Abuelita and tell her I getting married so she can stop pairing me up with women and he'll live with us he's my live-in assistant but people are getting suspicious," he said as they both took my hands. I helped him once and now he's returning the favor....big time.<br /> "Ok"<br /> "Really"<br /> "Yes!"<br /> I looked out the window and saw Mason standing there staring at me. I looked away and started asking about investigating who did this to us because it causes more problems on his side than mine. Alejandro looked behind me as he was on the phone talking to a lawyer about the newspaper. In the end, once Alejandro took my hand Mason left like he lost everything.<br /> One day I will confront him and prove to him my innocence not for our love for dignity.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvMTQzMDYz	193333657187812	Cha112	https://facebook.com/61554217282088	48	1	438,765,061,980,341	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Cha112	120209216285530120	b.chaptersapps.com	NONE	video		https://b.chaptersapps.com/ad/Q2hhcHRlcnMvMTQzMDYzLzIwMjQwNDA3MTM0MDUxL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-07 00:45	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/434566721_438173935558227_8931958946090671820_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZZBkqn5_V8YAb5WryTR&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAmCqhTGjyQIn1FKENwX9H6mchsin4-HSKBtMIJODrz9w&oe=6618D42B	person_profile	Cha112	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435489452_969589858045584_1368720439874997413_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LcXwfNSp_ykAb6iJC7h&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCDYRSCLzqBOnHoVCNBuhgA7HJaxUoRZSiYI6UC3S0cfQ&oe=6618F608	3	Cha112	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,199	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1011271}'	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	432481289464745	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	The house was brightly lit and without making a sound I went to look for him in the rooms, I looked all over the downstairs and didn't see him, so I went upstairs and went straight to our bedroom, while I was still in the hallway I started to hear some moans, very slowly I approached the door to our open bedroom when I looked inside I saw Stephan on all fours on our bed while a dark-haired man was sleeping with him.<br /> I stood there staring and the two of them didn't even see me, all I know is that seeing that was like a shock of reality, I slowly hid and pulled out my cell phone and recorded a video of them, I stayed there for 30 seconds filming that disgusting thing and when I couldn't stand being there any longer, I went downstairs, picked up my suitcase and went outside, walked to a square near my house and sat on a bench where I stayed until dawn.<br /> —<br /> During my last year at university, I had just turned 21 when Stephan came into my life. My father, being the prestigious businessman that he is, has many friends. At a business dinner, a good friend of his said that his son had just graduated in Marketing and was in New Jersey looking for a company to work for.<br /> When I saw Stephan, I confess that I thought he was beautiful, and I fell in love, we hit it off right away, he was sweet, funny and we liked the same things, what are the chances of finding someone who loves the same series, movies and even soap operas that you like? At the time I still wanted to lose 5 kilos to get the body I wanted and I started going to the gym that Stephan went to, we started having lunch together and going out together, until the day he pecked me, yes, he took the initiative and the next day he went home and talked to my father, said he wanted to date me and out of respect he thought it would be better to ask permission.<br /> I was a fool, a sucker, deluded, stupid, I thought it was all beautiful, after all, what man nowadays goes to a girl's family home to ask her father for permission to date her? I bet none of them do, do they? Right!<br /> Of course, my father allowed it and he was very happy to do so. We even had a dinner party to celebrate the date, Stephan's family, who were his father and mother, came and that's how our relationship began, Stephan was always very restrained, and when I say always, I mean always, we barely pecked properly and he never gave me a blowjob, and yes, I was dying to do something naughty, but because I was shy and in love I let it go, I put it in my head that he was more restrained and I was so stupid and imbecilic that I accepted the crumbs that prick gave me.<br /> We'd always watch TV and go to the movies, the thing we did most was hold hands, of course, I wanted more, I thought it was strange, but I didn't dare to say it, and because he was my first boyfriend I settled for the situation, six months into our relationship he asked me to marry him and I simply said yes, everyone was happy and two months later I had a queen's wedding.<br /> I was always curious and I just thought that Stephan, out of respect for my family, preferred to wait until we slept withe each other, after all, he knew that my father was a bit conservative.<br /> After the wedding, there was a big party and we went to the airport in the evening where we took a flight to Italy. As the flight time was very long, we both slept on the plane and arrived in Italy as the day was brightening up, we went to the hotel and when we were finally alone, I thought it was going to happen, but Stephan said we should go for a walk to enjoy the day, which was sunny and beautiful.<br /> At night in the hotel, he was very nervous, I could tell just by looking at his face. I went into the bathroom and said I was going to take a shower, I hoped that he would burst into the bathroom and grab me right there, but to my misfortune, he didn't. I finished my shower and put it on.<br /> Furthermore, I finished my shower and put on a nightgown with no lingerie underneath, after all, he was already extremely nervous and I was anxious, so we didn't need anything else to get in the way... when I went into the bedroom, he had turned off all the lights leaving only one lamp on, I walked over to the bed and crawled under the covers, we started pecking and he slowly started running his hand over my body, I did the same and noticed that he was undressed which made me very excited.<br /> Our peck intensified and he slowly took off my nightgown and got on top of me, then he started pecking my neck and whispered in my ear, "If you feel pain or I'm hurting you, tell me and I'll stop." All I could say was, "Yes," and Stephan continued to run his hands over my body, I was at my limit, I needed more, and I was already feeling pricks, so he stopped running his hands over my body, held his manhood by putting a protection on it and spread my legs, slowly he entered me and I felt a pain right away, Stephan stood still, took his member out and put it in again and did it over and over again until he said, "Is everything okay? Can I continue?" I said "Yes" and so he began to thrust faster and harder, I could feel the desire growing in me, he didn't stop and it was getting better and better, he moaned louder and louder until he stopped and collapsed on my chest, he had come and I hadn't!<br /> But I thought, "That was just the first one, take it easy Allison!" Just when I thought he was going to continue, the prick simply pulled out of me, took off the protection, pecked my forehead, and said goodnight, then turned over and went to sleep. I was stunned, all I could think was "What do you mean good night? What was that? It's our honeymoon, what is he thinking? I need more! A thousand times!", but even though I was indignant, I turned over and went to sleep, as frustrated as I've ever been in my life.<br /> The next day I felt bad, thinking that the problem was with me, we didn't do anything else on our honeymoon and even though I thought everything was strange, I did the worst thing of my life, I didn't try to talk to him and I kept my mouth shut, swallowing all my frustration, But he'd turn on the TV and we'd do nothing, I'd be afraid to try anything and force a situation, and at some point, I convinced myself that I'd overvalued marriage, and everything, I convinced myself that he didn't have as much fire as I did and I settled down, I was a big prick and today I feel even worse for seeing how dumb I was.<br /> When we got back from our honeymoon, we moved into our house, I made dinner for my family, Mum and Jennifer knew I was a virgin and when they asked me how it was, I said it was wonderful, Mum was more discreet, Jennifer pulled me aside and asked if I'd slept with him and if Stephan was good in bed, of course, I lied and when Jennifer said "We're lucky sis, our husbands are great, Enrico won't give me a break, he wants me every day and he's always getting me roasted. .", I just laughed, I didn't have the heart to say that Stephan was in bed and didn't seem to like it.<br /> The days went by and Stephan didn't do anything or show any interest in sleeping with me. A month into the marriage I got angry and started doing everything I could to get his attention, I'd walk around the house in my panties and bra and sometimes I'd even go undressed in front of him, but nothing worked when we were in bed and I'd put my hand on him or hug him he'd always come up with an excuse.<br /> The days went by and we created a routine: we'd go to work and then to the gym. When we got home, he'd cook dinner, because according to him, he knew how to cook better than me, which was a lie. He only cooked fitness food and from Monday to Friday we'd only eat healthy food, if I wanted to eat something tastier, like pasta and things like that, he'd manage to convince me otherwise.<br /> While he was cooking dinner I'd shower and after we'd eaten, he'd go to the bathroom, then we'd both watch TV and as I woke up super early, I'd end up sleeping watching TV and we wouldn't do anything.<br /> No, I'm not a living dead person, but anyone who wakes up at 6 am knows very well that by 9 pm you're already sleepy, and it's only now that I see that prick loved our routine, after all, I was asleep and we didn't have to do anything.<br /> Both he and I were working a lot, and because he worked in advertising, he started traveling a lot with the excuse of getting to know the customs of each state better so that he could make a better campaign.<br /> A week ago I went on a trip to Texas, we had some problems with some machinery and as everything was going to be replaced, Dad trusted me to supervise the whole process. We thought the work was going to take 5 days, but in 4 days everything was sorted out and without warning, I returned the day before the trip, we were going to be married for a year and I had bought tickets to see a movie at the cinema, I got tickets for the preview of the movie and I was going to surprise Stephan, as it was a movie he wanted to see.<br /> Yes, we got on well and today looking back I realize that our relationship was more of a friendship, so I returned the day before and when I arrived at the airport I took a cab home, when I arrived I sneaked in to scare him as a joke, The house was brightly lit and without making a sound I went to look for him in the rooms, I looked all over the downstairs and didn't see him, so I went upstairs and went straight to our bedroom, while I was still in the hallway I started to hear some moans, very slowly I approached the door to our open bedroom when I looked inside I saw Stephan on all fours on our bed while a dark-haired man was sleeping with him.<br /> I stood there staring and the two of them didn't even see me, all I know is that seeing that was like a shock of reality, I slowly hid and pulled out my cell phone and recorded a video of them, I stayed there for 30 seconds filming that disgusting thing and when I couldn't stand being there any longer, I went downstairs, picked up my suitcase and went outside, walked to a square near my house and sat on a bench where I stayed until dawn.<br /> I sat there for more than 12 hours and everything made sense, the way he treated me and acted, his tastes, and all the care he took with my clothes, make-up, and shoes when we went to buy things, he always chose for me, not that a heterosexual man can't be careful, but he was too much, absolutely everything made sense at that moment.<br /> The prick was gay and I'm sure the five times we slept with each other in a year must have been a martyrdom for him. Sitting there, I reviewed everything we'd lived through in our 1 year and 8 months relationship, I saw all the lies and until this moment I can't get my head around how he could be so petty. He certainly only married me because of his parents, his father is a prejudiced man and many times at family gatherings he has said that he would rather have a dead son than a gay son, Stephan certainly saw the perfect opportunity in me.<br /> I was the silly imbecile who was going to serve as a cover for him all my life, while he maintained a sham marriage with me and went around giving my hip to other people on the sly.<br /> Knowing that I was so stupid makes me feel angry, angry at him and me, because even though I was dissatisfied I didn't say anything, even though I was dying to be eaten with gusto I never questioned him, I always smiled and pretended everything was fine.<br /> When the morning dawned, all I could do was pick up my suitcase and get into the first cab I saw, ask it to take me to a hotel, and after registering at the reception, I went up to the room, took off my clothes and got under the shower, crying as I'd never cried before in my life, because I was and still am ashamed of myself.<br /> <br /> As soon as I arrived at the hotel, I saw Jennifer sitting at the reception desk, she saw me and came up to me very seriously and I knew she was worried.<br /> "Allison, do you want to worry everyone to death? We've been looking for you like crazy, it was hard to find you in this hotel, Dad's pissed off! Mom kind of calmed things down, but she said you weren't well, so I came to see you... I'm almost worried myself to death!" She says and comes to hug me.<br /> "I'm fine, calm down," I say, hugging my sister.<br /> I hug her tightly and get emotional, I feel like shouting and saying that I've been betrayed and that I've caught the prick in bed with someone else, but I just let a few tears fall and don't say anything.<br /> "What happened? You never cry... did they hurt you?" Jennifer asks, getting emotional.<br /> "It's nothing Jennifer, I'm fine and I'll be even better, don't worry," I say, pulling away and wiping my tears, then I continue. "I went shopping and I've only just arrived, let's go up with me and I'll show you everything," I say, changing the subject.<br /> Jennifer just nods and we go up to the room, the valet takes all my things up, and I take everything out of the bags and show it to Jennifer.<br /> "You've chosen everything so colorful, you're going to look like Mom..." Jennifer says, looking at some dresses.<br /> "I just want to change my look, tomorrow I'm going to do something with my hair," I say excitedly.<br /> "Allison, what did Stephan do to you?" Jennifer asks bluntly.<br /> "He didn't do anything, I just don't like him anymore and decided to change my life a bit." I shrug.<br /> "I don't understand, a few days ago you were doing so well, Stephan is inconsolable, he loves you, Allison." Jennifer looks at me expectantly, as if she thinks I'm going to change my mind and give up on this divorce.<br /> No, he doesn't love me, he just used me in the worst way anyone can, he didn't think about me or my feelings.<br /> "Jennifer, I'm going to divorce him and that's settled, I know that you love me and respect me, so I'm going to ask you not to say anything more about this, I know that I acted strangely and even wrongly by coming to this hotel from my trip, I didn't even see my cell phone and that was wrong, I'm sorry if I worried everyone, but my marriage is over Jennifer, and there's no one in this world who's going to convince me to go back," I say calmly.<br /> "I just... I thought you'd never break up, I mean, you're so alike and you've always got on so well..." She says sadly.<br /> I go over to the bed and sit down next to Jennifer, taking her hand.<br /> "Life isn't always a fairy tale Jennifer, appearances can be deceiving, but don't be sad for me, everything happens in this life for a reason... anyway, let's not talk about it anymore, help me pack the rest of my things and let's go to the hotel restaurant for dinner, I'm hungry." I stand up and smile.<br /> Jennifer helped me and we tidied up, the room was clean and the bathroom too, when I left, they cleaned everything and changed the sheets, at least Jennifer saw that everything wasn't a pigsty. She's going to tell everyone, so my mother will be calmer, I don't want to show sadness anymore.<br /> "I'm hungry," I say as we go to the restaurant buffet, I haven't eaten anything all day.<br /> "You haven't been going without food, have you?" Jennifer asks worriedly.<br /> "No." I blatantly lie, I haven't had a decent meal in days.<br /> We set out our plates and out of habit, I grabbed salad, vegetables, and a steak. I only realized how I'd set out my plate when we sat down.<br /> "You know you're going to have to face Dad on Monday, right?" Jennifer asked as she took a piece of steak into her mouth.<br /> "Yes, I'm going to prepare myself emotionally for that until then." Today is Saturday, I only have the rest of today and tomorrow to prepare myself emotionally and not cry like a little girl in front of my father.<br /> When we've finished dinner Jennifer leaves and I go back to my room, grab my laptop from my bag, and answer all my emails, then turn on my cell phone delete all my messages, and block Stephan's number, I don't want to have any more ties with him.<br /> I didn't go to bed until dawn and I slept watching a trashy movie, I even tried to watch a series I liked or a movie, but everything reminded me of that idiot Stephan and how much of a fool I'd been. <br /> I spent the whole of Sunday preparing myself emotionally to face my father, I went to the hairdresser, had my hair moisturized and highlighted, and when I got to the hotel, I painted my fingernails red, I like doing my nails myself and I had to do was buy new nail polish.<br /> The weather got very cold and I saw on the weather website that it's going to be like this next week, so, unfortunately, I won't be able to wear the beautiful dresses I bought. In the evening I went to the mall and bought some beautiful blouses and shirts, all in strong colors and prints.<br /> Jennifer called me twice during the day and said that Stephan had spent the day at my parents' house, the wretch stayed there making drama, and to make matters worse, Dad and Mom are on his side, in other words, as well as betraying me and doing everything he's done, the prick still has the nerve to play the victim and turn my family against me.<br /> My hatred for Stephan is only growing and I don't even know how I'm going to react when I come face to face with him.	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1,011,201	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	432543862657909	Continue reading,👉opening the app will jump to the book	I remember waking up months ago in a dark, tiny room. There was a man named Dalton. He locked me up in his mansion, chaining my arms and legs.<br /> “I am your mate. I can do whatever I want to you.”<br /> And he did exactly that. He came in once a while to mate with me barbarically.<br /> <br /> “It stinks here,” He looked down on me with a sneer.<br /> Of course it does. He’s locked me up with no fresh air or running water, does he really expect it to smell like roses?<br /> He stormed out, and later, I felt the pain again.<br /> “Oh, Dalton…Yes!!!” Voices echoed from the room next to mine.<br /> “Gosh, Claudia…” his husky voice followed, “you are so tasty, you slvtty girl.”<br /> Whenever he and his mistress were intimate, his betrayal scorched my body.<br /> <br /> I could tell he was telling the truth: He was indeed my mate.<br /> But why on earth would he torture me like this?<br /> -----<br /> ~~Bree’s PoV~~<br /> Pain shoots through me as I lay in my narrow bed, locked inside the windowless room that has been my home for the last three years. The torment starts as a cramping, aching feeling in my lower abdomen before bursting outward, traveling through every nerve of my body to the tips of my fingers and toes, leaving a trail of burning agony behind it, as though I were on fire from within.<br /> I’m so used to it by now that there’s no surprise when it comes. With no other option, I curl into a ball and wait for it to end. At least it’s usually quick. That’s the one small blessing I have.<br /> It bewildered me the first time it happened. I thought I was dying, until I learned the truth: the pain is caused by my mate and his mistress. Whenever they’re intimate, his betrayal of our bond scorches my body. He knows it, and he doesn’t care.<br /> That is the double-edged sword of the mate bond. For most werewolves, the day they find their mate is the happiest day of their lives. Mates are chosen for us by the moon goddess, destined to be our perfect match. Who wouldn’t want that? <br /> For me, however, it didn’t go anything like that.<br /> At last, the torture stops and my whimpers slowly die off. I stopped screaming out in pain a long time ago. No one hears me, or if they do, they ignore the sound, just like they ignore every other sign of my mistreatment. Everyone is blind to it, through deception or through choice, and I know by now that no one will help me. I am completely on my own.<br /> It is almost unbelievable how one night changed my life so thoroughly. Although it was three years ago, if I close my eyes, I am right back there on the night this all began. <br /> ************<br /> The summer’s evening is warm, with a hint of a breeze that plays with the loose curls of my hair as I step out of the car, making them dance across my bare shoulders. My dress is tight, so tight I can hardly breathe, but when I mentioned it to my mother earlier, she simply tightened her lips.<br /> <br /> “Fashion is worth the pain, Brianna.”<br /> It’s not the first time she’s told me that. Nothing is more important than outward appearances; that is the one lesson she was always determined that I learn.<br /> My two older sisters are here as well, with their mates, shining their dazzling smiles over the crowd that greets us. A few of the more curious onlookers glance my way too, wondering who I am, maybe, but when I try to smile and walk in my five-inch heels at the same time, I almost trip, so I drop the smile and focus on making it up the steps of the palace in one piece instead. <br /> We have come to the palace tonight to celebrate the mating of Prince Carter and his new princess. The couple themselves are not here, they left on their honeymoon shortly after the private celebration attended by close friends and family, but the prince left instructions for the festivities to continue over the next three nights, to ensure everyone has a chance to take part. Tonight, it is the turn of the empire’s noble families, including mine, and there are many important foreign delegations in attendance as well. That’s why the press is here, their cameras clicking as we make our way inside. Tomorrow, all the papers will run their stories of who was seen with whom and all the fashion highs and lows. My mother is desperate for our family to be mentioned, which is why I have had to spend the entire day being primped and prepped, until the woman staring back in the mirror hardly resembles me at all.<br /> My red hair, usually pulled back in a ponytail or messy bun, has been left down tonight, curled and doused in hairspray to hold its shape. My makeup is heavier than usual, my dress tighter and my heels higher, and I don’t know exactly what people see when they look at me, but I’m pretty sure it’s not me. It’s only the illusion my mother wanted to create.<br /> I haven’t been inside the palace before, and my eyes widen in wonder as we step inside the ballroom. Glittering chandeliers hang overhead, the lights reflecting off the white walls and the mirrors set up strategically along the walls. The wooden floor is smooth and polished beneath my heels and the air is filled with the chatter of hundreds of guests and music from a string quartet that I cannot see. Waiters in crisp white shirts circulate, holding trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. My stomach growls at the scent of garlic and butter, but I know I can’t eat anything tonight. My dress is tight enough as it is, and my mother warned me that it’s not ladylike to eat in front of others. As if women never eat at all. <br /> I’m so distracted by the glittering dresses and jewels of the assembled crowd that I almost walk straight into a statue that’s standing in my path. At the very last moment, I see it and try to stop, but my shoes slip on the waxy floor, and for a terrible moment, I’m certain I’m going to fall. <br /> My mother will kill me, is all I can think as I lose my balance. <br /> I don’t fall, though. A second later, a strong arm circles my back, keeping me upright. <br /> “Careful,” a deep voice murmurs in my ear. “Better you than the antique statue, but I’d prefer if neither of you fell over on my watch.”<br /> Heat flushes my face as I regain my equilibrium and quickly disentangle myself from this stranger. “Thank you,” I breathe as I turn to face him, and for a moment, it actually feels like my heart skips a beat. At least, I think it does. Maybe it’s just the dress cutting off my circulation.<br /> Warm, brown eyes smile down at me. They’re the only part of his face that’s soft; everything else is hard and angled, his hair cut short, his jawline firm. He is not like the kind of men I’m encouraged to socialize with, but he’s very handsome, I can’t help thinking, my face turning even redder at the thought. <br /> “I’m Bree,” I introduce myself, even though my mother would have a fit if she heard me offer my name before a man asked for it. “Well, Brianna, really, but everyone calls me Bree.”<br /> I hold out my hand to shake his, and he hesitates for just a moment before reaching out as well. Cold metal slides against my fingers, and I realize in surprise that it is a robotic hand, some kind of prosthetic. I hadn’t noticed when he was holding me earlier. <br /> “Drew,” he introduces himself, and though he still looks friendly, there is a wariness in his eyes too, as if he’s not quite sure how I will respond. My surprise quickly vanishes though, and I shake his hand firmly. <br /> “Thank you for catching me, Drew. If I fell down in this dress, I don’t think I could get back up again.”<br /> An amused smile flashes across his face. “It was my pleasure, Bree.”<br /> The way he says my name sends tingles down my spine, but before I can say anything else, my mother is back at my side. “Stop wasting time, Brianna,” she admonishes, her tone making it perfectly clear that she doesn’t see Drew as someone worth talking to. She doesn’t even glance at him as she pulls me away, and all I can do is throw an apologetic look over my shoulder as I’m dragged further into the room. <br /> Although the guest list is impressive, this party is no different from any of the others I have attended before, the same pompous people trying to impress and outdo each other, and my eyes glaze over in boredom as the men around me talk business. Occasionally, I catch a glimpse of Drew moving around the room. He’s wearing a suit but not a tux, making it clear he’s not one of the guests. He must be working; he said something when he caught me about not letting me fall over ‘on his watch’. <br /> He never comes over to where I am, but I’m not surprised. That whole encounter probably made a much bigger impression on me than it did on him. <br /> Eventually, I manage to slip away onto the ballroom balcony, which has a beautiful view over the lake and the woods beyond the palace. The fresh air feels cleansing after the stifled conversation inside and I take a deep breath, letting it fill my lungs. The silvery moon is reflected in the still waters of the lake as stars twinkle overhead. The balcony runs the full length of the ballroom and there are couples dotted along its length, enjoying the scenery together. It would certainly be romantic, if I had someone to share it with. <br /> A moment later, two more people come out of the ballroom, standing a few feet away from me. I don’t pay any attention until I hear a familiar voice. <br /> “What’s your name?” It’s Drew’s voice and I glance over in surprise. He is standing with a beautiful blonde woman, his attention fixed fully on her. He hasn’t seen me at all. <br /> “Katherine,” she answers, her arms wrapped around her stomach, her whole posture defensive. I recognize her from other society events, but I don’t know her personally. She’s never considered me worthy of speaking to. “And you are? Your full name, I mean.”<br /> “Andrew Carver. Drew, for short.”<br /> He doesn’t look like an Andrew to me. Drew suits him better. <br /> I’m not trying to eavesdrop, but it’s hard not to overhear, especially the words that Katherine speaks next, firm and controlled. <br /> “In that case, I, Katherine Palmer, reject you, Andrew Carver, as my mate.”<br /> I gasp out loud before I can stop myself, looking over at them in disbelief. Drew staggers back, shock and pain splashed across his face as Katherine turns away. She catches sight of me, her eyes narrowing in contempt as she recognizes me. “If you say a word of this to anyone, Brianna, your whole family is finished.”<br /> With that, she turns away fully and goes back into the ballroom, pasting a smile back on her face as if nothing at all just happened. <br /> Drew obviously knows I’m here now, there’s no way to hide it, and I try to give him a sympathetic smile, though I can’t imagine what he’s feeling right now. Not knowing what else to say, I try to lighten the mood. “I’m so sorry, but honestly, you dodged a bullet there. I wouldn’t want to be mated to her.”<br /> It doesn’t work. He doesn’t laugh, and there’s only bitterness in his eyes. “I don’t need your pity,” he says stiffly before walking back into the party himself. <br /> Sadness and disappointment fill me from head to toe. I hate that he’s hurting. I hate that anyone ever has to get rejected. If it happened to me, I honestly don’t know what I’d do. I wish I could have found the right words for Drew, but maybe in that situation, there are no right words. <br /> Just as I’m about to go back inside myself, a new scent drifts over to me, flooding my senses in a way that’s almost overwhelming. It’s the smell of leather and horses, my favorite smell in the whole world, and it takes me a minute to realize that it’s coming from a man, one who’s staring at me with a mix of annoyance and curiosity. <br /> His face is as chiseled and handsome as Drew’s, but with none of the kindness in his eyes.<br /> “Well, well, well,” he says, taking a step closer to me, like a hunter stalking his prey. “What do we have here?”<br /> ~~Bree’s PoV~~ <br /> Mate? my wolf whimpers in my head as the unknown man steps closer to us. I always thought wolves were meant to be excited when they find their mates, but Topaz doesn’t sound excited at all. She sounds… scared.<br /> “Hello,” I say out loud, hoping he doesn’t notice the way my voice trembles. Topaz’s uneasiness seems to have seeped into me as well, leaving me feeling completely off-balance. Or maybe it’s the rejection I just witnessed between Drew and Katherine. What are the odds he and I would both find our mates within seconds of each other? <br /> On the other hand, why shouldn’t we? It’s not like Drew and I are anything more than passing acquaintances. <br /> “I’m Brianna,” I carry on when the man still doesn’t say anything, still staring at me with his intense, dark eyes. “Brianna Berkeley. I live here. Well, not right here, not in the palace, but here, in the city. Wh-who are you?”<br /> At last, his face relaxes and clears, and I realize that his wolf must have been in control before. His eyes are brighter now, his face a little less hard, and I breathe a secret sigh of relief. He doesn’t look quite so scary anymore, and without the hard look, he is even more handsome. <br /> “My name is Dalton Bancroft.” His accent is slightly unusual, and the name is very obviously upper-class. My mother will like the name, though I don’t recognize it from the times she made me study the list of most eligible young men in the empire. Of course, the prince was at the top of that list, but he’s off the market now. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Brianna.” <br /> His manners are impeccable as he takes my hand and kisses the back of it, and though I’m still a little thrown by his odd behavior before, I am growing a little more comfortable now. He is slightly older than me, probably in his late twenties while I am just 21. He and Drew are around the same age, I figure, as if that matters.<br /> “It’s a pleasure to meet you too,” I assure him, following my own etiquette training. “Do you live here in the city as well?”<br /> I am expecting the answer to be no, and it is. “I am here with the delegation of Prince Henrik, to give our congratulations to the happy couple. I did not expect to find my own mate here.”<br /> From his tone, I’m not sure if he thinks it’s a good thing or not, but he hasn’t rejected me, at least. I gave him my full name, so if he wanted to, he could have done it already. <br /> I am also frantically searching my memory for what I know about Prince Henrik. The empire I live in is vast, but it is, of course, not the only one in the world. The territory Henrik rules is far to the south, thousands of miles away. It must truly be fate that brought Dalton and I together tonight, when it would have been very easy for us to go our whole lives without meeting. <br /> “I wasn’t expecting it either,” I tell him honestly. “But I’m very pleased to meet you.”<br /> His eyes flash dark again as his wolf comes to the surface, and the predatory look in them sends a chill through me. A moment later, he blinks, and it is Dalton in control again. “I must introduce you to the prince, then.”<br /> This is hardly the romantic meeting I had hoped for, but he is polite and handsome and well-mannered. What was I expecting?<br /> The memory of Drew’s arm around me and his voice in my ear flashes across my mind, but I push it away. That isn’t at all helpful. <br /> Dalton offers his arm and I take it, little sparks tingling up my arm and through my body as we make contact. Topaz whimpers again in my head. <br /> What’s wrong? I ask her, keeping a pleasant smile on my face as we make our way back into the ballroom and through the crowd of people. <br /> It feels… cold, she tells me nervously. Dark. Dangerous.<br /> I feel it too, but I try to convince myself it’s nothing. In the bright ballroom, surrounded by people, what can the danger be? <br /> Dalton leads me to a group of men - only men - who are standing together and talking, each with a drink in their hand. “Your Highness,” he says, bowing to one of the men who turns to look at us both, and I immediately bow my head too, as I’ve been taught. “May I present Miss Brianna Berkeley, my mate.”<br /> Hearing him say it out loud makes the whole thing feel a little more real and I can’t stop myself from glancing up to see the prince’s reaction. He must be around the same age as Dalton too, though he looks younger and softer. His face is wide, with a large nose, and though I would not call him handsome, he’s not unpleasant-looking either. His expression remains neutral upon Dalton’s announcement, but I can’t help noticing the looks the other men throw at each other or the way their mouths curl in amusement. <br /> Why is Dalton finding his mate funny? The uneasy feeling that’s been lurking in my mind grows even stronger. <br /> “Congratulations to you both,” the prince replies, his accent thicker than Dalton’s. “Go and meet the girl’s family, and then we should depart.”<br /> Depart? Does he mean the party or the empire? It is just now sinking in that I will have to go with him to live in a place where I know no one. <br /> Dalton bows his head again and we step away while he instructs me to take him to my parents. As I make the introductions, I am starting to feel that I am on a runaway train, heading downhill with no way to stop it. <br /> My mother is delighted by Dalton’s pedigree and manners, and even my father, who is usually so buried in his business he does not even notice me, looks pleased. When Dalton says he would like me to leave with him tonight, to return to his kingdom, neither of them bats an eye. <br /> “There is something I need to do first,” he tells me, kissing my hand again as he lets my arm go. “Say any goodbyes you need to and I’ll be back within the hour.”<br /> Panic starts to settle in my chest as I realize this is really happening. I don’t know anything about this man and everyone expects me to drop my entire life and go with him because of the mate bond. What if we don’t even like each other? <br /> What if he is dangerous?<br /> “Mom?” With no one else to turn to, I try to appeal to my mother. “Do I have to go right now?”<br /> Her nose wrinkles as if the question is distasteful. “Why wouldn’t you?”<br /> “Because I don’t know anything about him?” It feels like a reasonable objection to me.<br /> “I knew nothing about your father when we met,” she points out, as if they are a shining example of the kind of relationship I should aspire to. She spends her days fussing over us while he works. They have nothing in common but their bed and their children. “I knew he came from a good family and had a good job. If you are worried about mating, don’t be; your wolf will take care of it.”<br /> Topaz whines in my head again, making it clear she wants no part in this. <br /> My father, meanwhile, has pulled out his phone to research Dalton’s family. “They are a noble family who work closely with the king,” he says in approval. “The men are all well-respected.”<br /> “What about the women?” I can’t help asking. <br /> He frowns as he scrolls further down. “It doesn’t say anything about them, but I don’t think that’s unusual down there. Their society is more traditional.”<br /> What does that mean? <br /> I don’t get a chance to find out. My mother drags me around to her friends to share the news of my new mate, and almost before I know it, Dalton has returned and it is time for me to go. “You can ship Brianna’s belongings to my villa,” he tells my parents. “I will make the necessary arrangements. In the meantime, I can provide her with anything she needs.”<br /> My parents beam at the consideration he is showing, though no one has asked me if I want him to buy me things. <br /> No one has asked me what I want at all. <br /> My whole body feels numb as Dalton takes my arm again and heads towards the main palace doors. Security guards stand next to the exit, and it is only as we reach the door that I realize one of them is Drew. <br /> For a brief, crazy moment, I think of asking him for help. For reasons I can’t explain, I feel like he would understand what is happening and the way I feel, but as we draw level to him and he looks at my arm in Dalton’s, he simply gives me a curt nod. “Have a good evening.”<br /> Those are the last words I hear from anyone in the empire. There is a car waiting for us at the bottom of the steps that takes us to an airfield and a private plane, and on to Dalton’s home. <br /> *********<br /> That was three years ago now, and I am determined that this will be the last night I ever spend in this cold, dark room. <br /> Tomorrow, we are hosting a celebration, a special party in honor of King Carter, who is visiting the kingdom for the first time since taking control of the empire, and I will use the distraction it creates to slip away. <br /> Maybe I will fail. Maybe I will die trying, but at this point, that would be better than living without hope any longer. <br /> There is nothing here for me, so my only chance of living at all is to run.<br /> <br /> ~~Drew’s PoV~~<br /> “You have to get over this irrational fear of flying.” <br /> Carter’s voice makes me jump, and when I turn to glare at him, he laughs good-naturedly at my unease. I had been concentrating so hard on the view out the window, and on gripping onto the armrest with my good hand so tightly that it was starting to go numb, I missed him sitting down next to me. <br /> “It’s not irrational,” I point out once again. We already had this argument when he asked me to accompany him on this trip in the first place. If it was anyone other than my king and friend asking, I would have refused. Being on a plane was one of my least favorite things in the world. “It’s only irrational to be afraid of something that can’t hurt you. If the plane crashes, we die, and being afraid of that is completely rational.”<br /> “You face death all the time,” he points out, looking frustratingly cavalier as the plane dips lower in the sky, feeling like it might stall at any second. We’re on our descent now but I won’t relax until my feet are back on solid ground. “First in the forces and now in my security team, your chances of dying on any given day are much higher than they are on a plane, statistically speaking.”<br /> “At least in those scenarios, I can fight back,” I grumble, my gaze returning to the view outside. “In a fight between me and the ground, I don’t like my chances.”<br /> He laughs again, slapping me on the shoulder as if I’m joking, which I most definitely am not. “It’ll get easier the more you do it. Maybe I should start bringing you on all my diplomatic visits now.”<br /> “Don’t even think about it,” I mutter, making him laugh again. <br /> “It’ll be worth it when we get there,” he promises. “And who knows? Maybe your mate’s waiting down there.”<br /> Though he gives me another smile, this one is tinged with concern. He feels bad that I’m still mateless when everyone else our age has mates and families. He even tried to get me to sign up to the same Mate-Match dating app where he met his queen, Quinn. His third child, after Quinn’s daughter, Rosie, and their son, Kian, is on the way in just a couple of weeks. <br /> I’m the only one in the king’s inner circle who’s still single, but what he doesn’t know, what none of them know, is that I already found my mate three years ago. <br /> I found her and she rejected me at first sight.<br /> The memory temporarily distracts me from the specter of imminent death outside the plane window as my mind returns to the palace ballroom on that moonlit night. The evening began normally enough. I had joined Carter’s personal security team once he took over from his father, and usually, I provided personal security to him or, less frequently, to Quinn and Rosie. However, with Carter and Quinn gone on their honeymoon and the palace expecting an influx of guests for the mating ceremony celebrations, I volunteered to work the party that night. <br /> The usual upper-class snobs shuffled in, most of them ignoring me as if I was completely invisible and a few of the less cultured staring openly at my prosthetic hand. That was nothing I wasn’t used to so I let it slide right off me, taking none of it personally. I moved through the party like a ghost, making eye contact with no one, until I saw the beautiful red-haired woman nearly knock over one of Queen Margot’s favorite statues. <br /> Luckily, I was close enough that when she slipped trying to avoid the collision, I was able to catch her. She was light in my arms and smelled of honey, I couldn’t help noticing as I placed her back on her feet. <br /> I wasn’t even expecting an acknowledgement, based on how most of the people in the room were treating me, but to my surprise, she spoke to me, smiled, and even shook my hand. My bionic hand, at that, and it didn’t seem to bother her. She even told me to call her Bree. She was an unexpected breath of fresh air, and when her mother arrived to pull her away, giving me the look I was far more accustomed to, it felt like the sun had turned its back on me, plunging the room back into darkness. <br /> Those were rather fanciful thoughts for a practical soldier like me, and I shook my head at myself as I returned to my rounds, ensuring everything was secure. A delegation from one of the southern kingdoms caught my eye as they stayed huddled close together, speaking amongst themselves without interacting with anyone else. Their behavior struck me as odd, and I tried not to stray too far from them, just in case something was up. My wolf, Archer, felt strange around them too, though he couldn’t say why.<br /> My intention was to stick close to them without drawing too much attention to myself, but the night provided another unexpected turn as the scent of pine trees hit me, strong and insistent. <br /> It used to be my favorite smell before the night I lost my arm and legs. Now, it only reminded me of that terrible journey home after my limbs were cut off, teetering between life and death as Prince Carter carried me to safety. I had barely been aware of anything that night but pain and darkness, but the scent sunk into my subconscious anyway. I associated it only with fear and hopelessness.<br /> It took me a moment to realize that the scent was coming from a woman, a beautiful blonde woman who was staring at me in disbelief. <br /> Mate! Archer yelped inside my head, and my stomach flipped in surprise. Was he serious? After all this time, I couldn’t believe I finally found her. The wait had been so long, I had started to give up hope. The smell would take some getting used to, I had to admit, but if this was meant to be, then I would learn to live with it. Her eyes weren’t quite as kind as Bree’s, the pretty redhead I had spoken to earlier, but perhaps she was just as surprised by my sudden arrival as I was by hers. <br /> “Hello,” I said awkwardly, trying to make as good an impression as I could as I straightened the sleeves on my suit jacket. The movement brought her eyes down to my hands, and as she saw my prosthetic hand, her eyes widened.<br /> That was okay, I told myself. Anyone would be surprised. She would get used to it, just as I would grow accustomed to her scent. <br /> “I’m…” I started to introduce myself, but she quickly cut me off.<br /> “Not here. The balcony.”<br /> She was right, it would be easier to speak out there, away from the chatter of the crowd and the press of people around us, so I followed behind her at a respectful distance. There were a few other people on the balcony but I didn’t pay them any attention, focused as I was on my mate.<br /> I thought she wanted to talk to get to know me, but that wasn’t what she had in mind at all. All she asked was my name, and that was only so she could reject me. She didn’t know a thing about me other than my position and my physical attributes, and that was enough for her to turn up her nose at the goddess’ gift. <br /> Would she have accepted me prior to my accident? Perhaps she would have, and then perhaps I wouldn’t have known until it was too late just how shallow she was. At least she showed her face early enough that no bond was formed.<br /> Although it pained me at the time, in the end, once I had time to reflect on it, I didn’t regret that she had rejected me. We clearly weren’t well matched after all, at least not by the time that we found each other.<br /> My only regret from that night was the way I had spoken to Bree, who happened to be there on the balcony right next to us while my mate was rejecting me. In her eyes was compassion and kindness, but in the heat of the moment, my embarrassment overruled everything else. She tried to offer her sympathy and I threw it back at her, unfairly. <br /> When I’d had a few minutes to cool down, I went in search of her to apologize, but she was in conversation with what looked like her parents and one of the men from the southern kingdom’s delegation. I didn’t have a good enough excuse to interrupt them, and duty called me away anyway. By the time I saw her again, she was leaving the party on the arm of the same man. <br /> It drove home just how ridiculous I was being, thinking that my apology would mean anything to her. She was from a different world than I was, and so I simply wished her a good evening. The other men from the southern kingdom all departed almost immediately afterwards, and while I still thought their behavior was odd, at least they hadn’t caused any problems at the party. <br /> As for Bree, I never saw her again, and as time passed, I regretted my behavior that night more than ever. She had told me her surname, but I couldn't remember it; I'd been distracted by her smile. I did, however, have access to the empire’s security systems, so I searched all the current employment and education records for any Brianna I could find. None of them were her. It was like she vanished off the face of the earth, or at least from the empire. <br /> There were other men on Carter’s team who probably could have searched historical records for me, knowing more about the computer systems than I did, but then I would have to explain what I needed the information for when I barely knew the answer to that myself. What did I intend to do if I found her? Since I had no idea, eventually, I had to let it go.<br /> At last, the wheels touch down, bringing my thoughts back to the present. Stretching out my hand, I let go of the armrest as Carter claps me on the shoulder once more. “See, nothing to worry about. Now you can relax and enjoy the reception they’re hosting for us tonight.”<br /> “You can relax,” I correct him. “I’m here to keep an eye out for trouble.”<br /> “And an eye out for your mate,” he reminds me, getting to his feet as the plane comes to a stop. “There should be a lot of people at this party. You never know, Drew.”<br /> I say nothing, letting him keep his fantasy if it makes him feel better, even though I know the truth. <br /> There is absolutely no chance my mate is going to be at that party tonight.<br /> <br /> Chapter 4<br /> <br /> ~~Bree’s PoV~~<br /> <br /> The lock outside my door slides open, the sound of the metal grinding on metal so sharp that I wince. Although there’s no light and no clock in my room, I can guess it must be afternoon now since I’ve already been given breakfast and lunch. One thing I can’t complain about is that I have always been fed well. Dalton wants me healthy, if nothing else, though I honestly don’t know why. He doesn’t seem to care about me in any other way. <br /> <br /> And if it’s afternoon now, I can guess who is at the door. <br /> <br /> I’m soon proven right as Dalton steps into the small space of my room, looking down on me with a sneer. “It stinks in here.”<br /> <br /> Of course it does. He’s locked me up with no fresh air and no running water, does he really expect it to smell like roses?<br /> <br /> To be fair, it is not Dalton himself who is speaking or commanding the body in front of me. I call him Dalton, since it is his form, but I haven’t spoken to the actual Dalton since the night we met, three years ago. Ever since we returned to his home, every time I have seen my mate, his wolf has been in control, the same wolf that my own wolf, Topaz, was so afraid of on that night we met. Now, I know that her instinct was completely correct. We should have paid more attention to that feeling and trusted our gut. Instead, we walked unwittingly straight into the jaws of the beast. <br /> <br /> The wolf’s name is Nyko, not that he has ever told us that himself. I have overheard others whispering about him in hushed tones which is the only reason I know his name at all. Nyko speaks to us as little as possible, preferring to pretend that we don’t exist unless he needs something from us, which is why he’s here now. <br /> <br /> “The maids upstairs will help you get ready for tonight. There is a stylist to make you presentable. You will smile and nod and say nothing to anyone that might be construed as a complaint. Do I make myself clear?”<br /> <br /> I simply nod, not looking for a fight. I must pretend to be as docile and compliant as possible if I am to have any chance of getting away. <br /> <br /> When I first came here, I was allowed to attend these kinds of functions more often. As the prince’s foreign advisor, Dalton frequently entertains visiting dignitaries. I made the mistake of trying to speak to some of the people at those parties, to tell them about the conditions I was being kept in and to ask for help, and word quickly got back to Dalton. He apologized on my behalf, telling everyone I had been under a lot of strain. Comments were made suggesting I was mentally ill. Everyone believed him rather than me, and eventually, he stopped letting me attend at all, telling people I was too unwell to appear. <br /> <br /> Tonight, however, is a different story. Because the visiting party is from the empire where I grew up, from my ‘home’, the prince feels it’s important that I am seen, and Dalton has no choice. I have been warned repeatedly about the consequences if I disobey his orders, but I have no intention of asking for help this time. By now, I understand that no one is coming to rescue me. If I want to escape, I have to rescue myself. <br /> <br /> Dalton’s growl makes it clear he doesn’t entirely believe me, but since he has no choice, he lets me go and I follow the maids upstairs. Just the effort of climbing the stairs leaves me breathless, and my shoulders stoop as I try to keep up. In the guest room I’m taken to, the maids leave me alone long enough to have a shower. Although I’m on my own, I’m not naive enough anymore to think that there’s no one standing guard outside the door, and anything in the bathroom that I could use to harm myself has been removed. Dalton has taken all the necessary precautions, but I don’t worry about any of that as I remove my dirty clothes and turn on the shower.<br /> <br /> The warm water washes over me as I step beneath the stream, and I can’t help letting out a groan of appreciation. I never knew how good a shower could feel until I had to go weeks without one. Usually, the maids bring me a bucket of water once a week to wash my body and my hair. It doesn’t come close to the sensation of being enveloped in the warm, steamy rainfall that surrounds me now, and some of my tension washes away along with the grime from my skin. It feels like a new start, washing away all the misery of the last three years and watching it disappear down the drain. Not another night, I tell Topaz in my head as I take a deep, cleansing breath.<br /> <br /> Never again, she agrees. <br /> <br /> We’re getting out of here tonight or we’re going down trying, those are the only options.<br /> <br /> When I get out of the shower, I wrap myself in the robe left for me and go out into the guest room where there is a small army of people waiting to see to my appearance. The years of captivity have weakened me, as the march up the stairs proved, and my face looks sallow. The stylists do their best with their makeup to make me look healthier, and though it does help, I still don’t recognize the woman in the mirror. I wonder if anyone who knew me in the empire would recognize me either.<br /> <br /> None of the women speak to me as they go about their work; they’ve all been instructed not to, and I keep silent as well. There is no point in asking them for help, it will only upset Dalton. His spies are everywhere.<br /> <br /> The dress that has been chosen for me is silver-colored and beautiful, but it doesn’t fit me properly. The strapless bodice slips down since my breasts have shrunk too much to hold it up. After a lot of debate among the women responsible for dressing me, they pin it tighter around me, cutting off my air, and I’m reminded of the night all this began at another party with another too-tight dress. That night, Dalton took me away, and tonight, I will leave him behind. Perhaps it’s fitting that I’m once again short of breath.<br /> <br /> At last, they’re finished, and not a moment too soon. Nyko appears at the door, in Dalton’s form, and his nose wrinkles in disapproval as he looks me over. “I suppose you will have to do. Come along, the guests are beginning to arrive.”<br /> <br /> Without a backward glance, I follow him out of the room, and towards the rest of my life.<br /> Chapter 5<br /> <br /> ~~Drew’s PoV~~<br /> <br /> I wasn’t informed that the reception we’re attending tonight is outside of the prince’s castle, and I’m not happy about it. <br /> <br /> “I need to check the security before we go anywhere,” I tell Carter as he changes into his formal wear. He already met with the prince briefly but they will speak further at the party tonight, along with everyone else who wants to meet him.<br /> <br /> “The prince’s men are looking after the security,” Carter assures me. “Relax, Drew. We’re at peace, remember?”<br /> <br /> I do remember, but I also remember the odd way the delegation from this kingdom behaved at the party for the prince’s mating ceremony, which was the last time we had any direct contact with them. Even though I never found any evidence that anything unusual had taken place, something about the whole situation still strikes me as strange, as though things weren’t exactly what they seemed. That feeling lingers over me as I look out the window of the guest room at the castle where Carter is staying.<br /> <br /> “I’d like to go to the house ahead of time and have the prince’s men brief me on their preparations,” I insist, not willing to let this go. “Just because we’re at peace doesn’t mean some crackpot with a personal grievance can’t do a lot of damage. My job is to keep you safe, Your Majesty. This isn’t a vacation.”<br /> <br /> He waves his hand to dismiss me as he focuses on his bowtie. “Go ahead, then. We’ll wait until we hear from you to come over. But are you really wearing that?”<br /> <br /> I glance down at my usual black-on-black button-up shirt and dress pants. It helps me blend in, as much as I can with my bionic arm. My legs are less noticeable since you can’t see them beneath my pants and shoes; nobody would realize at first glance that they’re both artificial as well. “What’s wrong with it?”<br /> <br /> Carter raises his eyebrows at me before shaking his head. “Never mind. I’ll see you soon, Drew.”<br /> <br /> Leaving him on that note, I go to speak to the other members of the security team who have come with us. One agrees to come with me while the others stay with Carter until I send word that it’s safe for them at the party.<br /> <br /> The landscape here in the southern kingdom is very different from the empire, I notice as we drive over to the party location. There are no lush green forests or lakes or meadows. The ground is rocky, growing more mountainous in the distance, and apparently, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions are relatively common. Low shrubs are the primary form of vegetation with the occasional dead tree forming a lonely silhouette against the darkening sky.<br /> <br /> Perhaps the overall look of the land adds to the feeling of foreboding that is growing in me the longer we spend here. <br /> <br /> And yet, when we arrive at the house where the party is taking place, the gardens are green and vibrant with exotic flowers and shaped topiary. It must cost an absolute fortune to keep it in this state when it goes so completely against the natural habitat.<br /> <br /> We are stopped by security when we arrive, which is a good sign. I introduce myself and my colleague and tell them why we’re there, and they check our names and ID against the guest list, and that pleases me too. Perhaps Carter was right that they have things under control but it never hurts to double check. <br /> <br /> The house belongs to one of Prince Henrik’s advisors, his foreign minister, a man by the name of Dalton Bancroft. My research on him didn’t turn up much other than that his family is very old and very wealthy. Besides working for the prince and the wealth of his family, there’s no mention of him online or in the public records I have access to. He has a mate, apparently, but there’s no record of her name or a mating ceremony between them, which seemed strange to me until I realized the same was true of most of the king’s advisors. There is hardly any record of the women of the kingdom at all. <br /> <br /> As for Bancroft himself, I couldn’t even find a decent picture of him, the only one available was grainy and several years old. There was something vaguely familiar about him, but the image wasn’t clear enough for me to place him. He was probably part of the delegation that came to the empire three years ago.<br /> <br /> When we reach the house, the head of Bancroft’s security team comes to meet me and runs me through all the preparations for the evening. Their on-site security room has cameras positioned throughout the house and grounds with men stationed at every entrance and exit point. They are taking security very seriously, which I appreciate, and the man’s sure and competent explanations help to ease my concerns. <br /> <br /> He even brings plans of the house for me to review, laying them out on a small table in the security room. As I scan them, I notice a small room in the basement with no windows. “What’s this space here?”<br /> <br /> “Storage,” the head of security tells me. “It’s secure, there’s only one door in or out. Nothing to worry about.”<br /> <br /> I’m about to return to the plans when something catches my eye in the security feed over his shoulder. A slender woman follows a couple of other women up the stairs, and though I can’t see her face, something about her is familiar to me. I take a step closer to the screen, trying to change the angle I’m seeing her from even though it’s impossible, but she disappears out of shot before I can get a clear look.<br /> <br /> “Is there a problem?” the man I’ve been speaking to asks, but before I can answer, something on a different screen catches my eye: a man and woman having what seems to be a heated discussion in the main reception room.<br /> <br /> “Who’s that?” I ask, pointing to the screen. <br /> <br /> The security guard winces as he follows my pointing finger, only for a second, but enough that I notice it. “That’s Mr Bancroft,” he answers me stiffly.<br /> <br /> “And his mate?” The man’s back is to me so I can’t see his face, but I can see the woman clearly. She’s beautiful in that very manicured way that so many women of high society are; she reminds me of my own rejected mate, Katherine. They don’t look alike, but they seem to share the same priorities. Perhaps that’s a superficial assessment, but I can’t stop it from popping into my head anyway.<br /> <br /> “No, that’s… someone else.” The man’s vague answer raises more questions, but he does his best to move on before I can ask them. “She’s known to the staff here and not a security risk. Where do you want your men positioned this evening?”<br /> <br /> Although I’m still curious about the arguing pair, my priority is the prince’s security, so I push my questions down and get back to business. When I’m satisfied that everything’s in order, I call back to the rest of the team and tell them they can bring Carter over whenever they’re ready. <br /> <br /> The sooner we get this party started, the sooner we can leave, I hope. Despite all the security, something about this place makes me uneasy, and I’m more certain than ever that I won’t be relaxing tonight.<br /> Chapter 6<br /> <br /> ~~Bree’s PoV~~<br /> <br /> The party is just like all of the others I have attended during my time with Dalton, full of men in suits and women in dresses, glittering jewelry and expensive perfume. Waiters circulate with trays of food and drinks and a live band plays softly in the background, filling the air with mouth-watering smells and music that mixes with the murmurs of polite conversation.<br /> <br /> It is the picture of elegance, and the one time my parents came to visit, Dalton threw a reception just like it in their honor. They were just as impressed as Dalton meant them to be, which helped smooth the way for his explanation of what was happening between us. <br /> <br /> “Brianna is struggling with adjusting to the demands of her new position,” he told them, lying right in front of me as he gave me an indulgent, condescending smile. “Being in the public eye is a strain for her. My personal physician is helping with her anxiety, but unfortunately, she sometimes tells people things that aren’t true in a bid for attention. If she says anything to you that seems unreasonable, please let me know.”<br /> <br /> “That must be terribly frustrating for you,” my mother sympathized while shooting me a dirty look, as if I had embarrassed her by being unhappy with the way I was being treated. I hadn’t even had a chance to tell her any of the details yet, and now she wouldn’t believe a word I said anyway. <br /> <br /> Dalton shrugged, somehow looking put-upon and sympathetic at the same time. “She is my mate and I will support her as well as I can. There’s no question of that. I will never let her go.”<br /> <br /> What sounded like support to them was clearly a threat to me. My parents left believing I was an attention-seeking lunatic and that Dalton was a saint for putting up with me, just as he planned it. Any letters or emails I sent were censored, and sometimes he even wrote them for me, telling them I was too unwell to communicate myself. Those who were supposed to care for me most took the word of a man they barely knew over their own flesh and blood, simply because he was wealthy and well-mannered. They all believed I was crazy.<br /> <br /> Perhaps they are right. What I’m going to attempt tonight is a little crazy, but with no other options, I’m going to try it anyway.<br /> <br /> Dalton keeps a tight grip on my arm as we circulate through the arriving guests. He doesn’t trust me, but it feels like more than that too. He’s in a bad mood and I don’t know why. Hopefully, when King Carter arrives, Dalton will loosen my leash a little. I need him to give me a bit of breathing space if my plan is going to work. <br /> <br /> “Good evening, Dalton.” <br /> <br /> Prince Henrik’s voice sends a shiver down my spine, as usual. There are several men in Dalton’s inner circle who give me the creeps, and the prince is one of them. Although his title is Prince, he actually runs the kingdom. The King has not been seen in years. Officially, he is ill, but many suspect he is dead. Whatever the case, Henrik, Dalton and a few others are in charge.<br /> <br /> After greeting my mate, the prince turns to me with his usual cold smile. “Brianna. It’s good to see you’re well enough to join us this evening.”<br /> <br /> Though I don’t know for sure if the prince knows about the true nature of the situation between me and Dalton, I suspect he does. He has made enough thinly veiled comments over the last three years to suggest that not only does he know how Dalton treats me, he knows it is not Dalton he is speaking to at all. <br /> <br /> Tonight, I need to convince them all that I am harmless and compliant, so I bow politely to the prince. “Good evening, Your Highness. It’s a pleasure to see you.”<br /> <br /> My greeting meets his approval and he gives Dalton a nod. My mate’s iron grip on my arm loosens, just a little.<br /> <br /> “And here is the guest of honor,” the prince announces, stepping aside to allow the handsome man next to him to come forward. “Dalton, Brianna, this is King Carter of the northern empire. Your Majesty, my foreign advisor who is hosting tonight’s event, Dalton Bancroft.”<br /> <br /> The prince doesn’t introduce me, I notice, but I smile warmly at the king anyway. It is my first time meeting Carter in person, though I heard a lot about him growing up. There wasn’t a female wolf my age who didn’t dream about being mated to him, both for the prestige of his position and also simply for his charm and good looks. The drama around his eventual mating, with him announcing to the entire empire he had found his mate and then taking it back soon afterwards to say that he had a different mate instead, had been all anyone talked about for days. <br /> <br /> I haven’t heard much about him or his mate since I came here, but he is just as handsome in person as I expected. His manner is assured and confident, polite without being too formal as he shakes my mate’s hand. <br /> <br /> “Your home is beautiful, thank you for your hospitality.”<br /> <br /> “It is my privilege to welcome you, Your Majesty.” Dalton bows stiffly, his usual charm seeming stilted next to Carter’s natural behavior.<br /> <br /> “And who is this stunning woman?” Carter turns his warm smile on me, and for a moment, I remember what it feels like to be seen, even if him calling me ‘stunning’ is obviously an exaggeration. I was never a beauty, my mother’s catalog of my flaws made that clear, and after my treatment here, I am even less of one.<br /> <br /> Dalton has to hide his sneer at the compliment. “This is my mate, Brianna, Your Majesty. She is actually a former citizen of your empire. We met at the party to celebrate your own mating, in fact, at your own palace.”<br /> <br /> “Really? I had no idea.” Carter looks genuinely delighted by the connection. “I’m so glad that my own happiness could spark a happy occasion for others as well. Who is your family, Brianna?”<br /> <br /> “My father is Joseph Berkeley, Your Majesty, with Berkeley Industries.” It is surreal to be making small talk like this, beneath the glittering chandeliers, as if nothing at all is wrong. The illusion of normality is so complete, I can almost believe in it myself.<br /> <br /> “I don’t know him very well personally, but I know him by reputation, of course,” Carter assures me. “I will be sure to mention that I’ve seen you when we meet again.”<br /> <br /> That couldn’t concern me less, but I nod and thank him politely. After a few more minutes of pleasantries, the prince invites Dalton and Carter to join him in the study next door to discuss a few things, and Dalton leans over to whisper in my ear. To anyone watching, it would look like a gesture of affection, but I know better even before he hisses the words in my ear. <br /> <br /> “Behave while I’m gone. There are people watching you. Don’t try anything foolish.”<br /> <br /> He truly has no idea.<br /> <br /> When I assure him I will be good, he finally lets me go and follows the other men into the next room where they will talk business over cigars and brandy before rejoining the party. A woman in my position would normally be expected to continue to circulate amongst the guests, ensuring everyone is happy, but no one expects that of me, and I slip away through the back door instead. <br /> <br /> “Do you need something, Mrs Bancroft?” the guard at the door asks, straightening up in case he needs to act.<br /> <br /> “No, thank you. I’m just getting a breath of fresh air. Will you let me know if my mate returns and needs me?”<br /> <br /> My calm reply seems to reassure him and he lets me pass. The garden is surrounded by a tall hedge concealing an iron fence, so there is nowhere I could go anyway. Letting me out this door is foolproof, or so he believes. What he doesn’t know is that I have been scouting the grounds every time I’ve been allowed outside, and there is one place I am certain I can get through the fence, in my wolf form. <br /> <br /> I will only get one chance at this, so I need to make the most of it. <br /> <br /> But as I step out into the garden, I am stopped in my tracks by the last voice I would ever expect to hear in this place. <br /> <br /> “Bree? Is that you?”<br /> Chapter 7<br /> ~~Drew’s PoV~~<br /> <br /> I’m waiting for Carter at the front door when he arrives at the party. <br /> <br /> “Are you happy now?” he teases. He likes to keep things light because if he didn’t, the weight of his responsibility would wear him down, but I know that if I say I have any concerns, he’ll take me seriously.<br /> <br /> “Security’s strong,” I tell him honestly before sharing my concern. “Maybe too strong for a private citizen.”<br /> <br /> “The guy who owns this house is the foreign minister,” Carter points out. “He regularly hosts visiting officials.” <br /> <br /> That’s valid, and I already told myself that too, but it doesn’t fully explain it. “It’s still on the excessive side. It’s almost as if he’s expecting trouble, if not tonight, then sometime soon. People with this much security generally have powerful enemies, and that’s always a concern, whether they’re after you or not. You could end up caught in the crossfire.”<br /> <br /> “What do you want to do, then?” Carter asks me bluntly. “You gave the okay for me to come, so it can’t be that bad, is it?”<br /> <br /> I did give approval, mostly because I have no concrete evidence of any threat. It’s just this vague feeling of unease that I can’t explain, and I’m not sure it’s worth offending our hosts over. “I don’t have a reason to call the party off, but I want you to keep one of us with you at all times. If we say you need to leave, you leave immediately, no questions asked.”<br /> <br /> “Understood.” Carter gives me a firm nod that is his promise, and I take him at his word. We both know when the time is right for a joke and when we need to take each other seriously. It’s one of the reasons we work so well together.<br /> <br /> I double check that all the other men understand their assignments before I follow Carter into the main reception room, not close enough to interfere with his duties, but close enough that I can carry out mine. Prince Henrik finds him shortly after we arrive and leads him over to another group of people to introduce him, while I follow at a distance.<br /> <br /> That’s when I get my first glimpse of the red hair of the woman standing next to the man Carter is speaking to. The man and woman have their backs to me and I can’t see their faces, but that shade of red reminds me immediately of Bree. I was just thinking about her on the plane, and now she’s on my mind again. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, it hits me. <br /> <br /> She left the party that night three years ago with a man from this very kingdom. What if she came here with him? What if this is why I haven’t been able to find any trace of her in the empire? How has that thought never occurred to me before?<br /> <br /> I move to the side, trying to get around the group so that I can see the woman’s face to find out if I’m right, but the prince gestures in the other direction and everyone turns that way. Damn it. My heart is pounding at the mere idea that I’ve found her at last, but I can’t let myself be distracted. Besides, if she’s here, it must mean she’s found her mate. That idea disappoints me, which is ridiculous. I only ever wanted to find her to apologize to her… didn’t I?<br /> <br /> Carter begins to follow the prince into another room, along with the other man they were just speaking to, but the woman stays where she is, and I quickly mind-link one of the other men in my team. You take the prince. I’ll stay out here. <br /> <br /> Yes, sir, comes the ready response, and I watch to ensure he follows Carter into the room before turning my full attention to the redhead who has started to leave the room in the opposite direction, her back still to me.<br /> <br /> Glancing around me to make sure there’s nothing important that I’m missing, I follow her at a distance, her red hair drawing me towards her like a beacon though I still haven’t seen her face. She stops to speak to the man positioned at the door and he lets her through. When I try to follow, however, he holds me back. “This is the minister’s private garden.”<br /> <br /> I don’t want to cause a scene, but I need to know if I’m right or if I’ve let my imagination carry me away, so I stay where I am but call out after her: “Bree? Is that you?”<br /> <br /> The woman stops in mid-step and turns back, and as soon as I see her face, I’m filled with both delight and concern. It is her, but something has changed. She doesn’t look well at all.<br /> <br /> “Drew?” Confusion echoes in her voice as she takes a step back towards the door, and the fact that she remembers my name after all this time makes me unreasonably happy. “How… I mean, why… what are you doing here?”<br /> <br /> “I’m here with the king,” I explain. My body moves forward, pulled towards her by some invisible string, but the man at the door puts out his arm to hold me back. <br /> <br /> “Mrs Bancroft?” he says, addressing Bree. “You know this man?”<br /> <br /> So, she is mated after all. I’d been so distracted by her appearance that I hadn’t paid attention to her scent, but I can smell it now. She has been claimed by another man, and a bitter taste fills my mouth at the thought, for no good reason.<br /> <br /> “I do know him,” Bree tells the guard before giving me an apologetic smile. “I would love to catch up, Drew, I truly would. It’s so nice to see you, but I need a minute to myself. Would you wait for me inside?”<br /> <br /> “Of course. I didn’t mean to intrude.” Obviously, I have overstepped. We have only ever exchanged a few words before; I don’t know what I was expecting. <br /> <br /> I take a step back into the house as Bree turns around to head further into the garden, but just as quickly, I stop as my nose twitches. My sense of smell has always been one of my best skills, well-developed even for a wolf, but once again, I have let myself be distracted by Bree’s presence here. It’s a rookie mistake, but now that I’m paying attention, I know there’s someone else in the garden, someone I can’t see. <br /> <br /> “Who else is out there?” I ask the man at the door as Bree heads behind a hedge that shields her from our view. <br /> <br /> “No one,” he assures me, but his eyes dart quickly to the side and back, and I know immediately that he is lying even if I couldn’t smell the other wolf myself.<br /> <br /> In a split second, I make my choice, running past him out into the garden as he shouts after me. “Stop! Wait!”<br /> <br /> Each step sends a jarring impact through my prosthetic legs as I round the corner. The guard will be calling his backup, so I don’t have much time, but that’s not what’s worrying me at the moment: I’m much more concerned about who’s waiting out there for Bree and why. <br /> <br /> I see them as soon as I turn the corner. Bree is standing against the hedge, removing her dress for some reason, while the other figure approaches silently. Bree is down to a thin silk slip and the other person’s face is obscured beneath a hooded cloak, but beneath the light of the moon, I see the glint of the knife in their hand. <br /> <br /> I sprint towards the pair but it’s obvious I won’t get there in time, so I call out as I run: “Bree! Look out!” <br /> <br /> Startled, she turns just in time to see the figure approach and scrambles back, falling to the ground as she darts out of the way.<br /> <br /> My artificial legs are designed for agility but not necessarily for speed, and the person with the knife is quick. Although I try to grab them, I only catch the edge of the cloak. It pulls off the person’s face, and I’m shocked to see the woman from the screen earlier, the one who was arguing with Bree’s mate. She hisses at me as I expose her, but she manages to twist out of my reach. Making another instantaneous decision, I let her go so I can check on Bree instead. The security guards should be coming any second anyway so they will stop the fleeing woman. <br /> <br /> “Are you alright?” I reach out my hands to Bree who is still on the ground, barefoot in her slip.<br /> <br /> “I’m okay,” she answers shakily, taking hold of my bionic hand to pull herself up. She stumbles, and I put my other hand on her waist to steady her. “But you need to leave, please. I don’t have much time…”<br /> <br /> I don’t get a chance to ask her what she needs time for. A second later, the security guards arrive, their weapons drawn as they shout at me. <br /> <br /> “Get away from her! Put your hands up!”<br /> <br /> Too late, I realize what this looks like with me standing here holding onto the half-dressed mate of another man.<br /> <br /> Your Majesty? I mind-link Carter as I let Bree go and raise my hands slowly into the air. I think I need your help.<br /> -------<br /> Open the app and continue reading the rest of the story . 👉(It will automatically jump to the book when you open the app)	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d	242728965579456	Novel paradise	https://facebook.com/61555643084948	30	1	1,456,049,295,316,647	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Install now	Novel paradise	120207500135070630	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dreame.reader	2024-04-07 08:04	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436153963_893133655899545_1426305167751051531_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pIxJ87jks4sAb7eKXTk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAG8bsp0f3rQOv-YsBnOvEGavIrQTpxfjUBxplfgrWPMQ&oe=6618EFD6	person_profile	Novel paradise	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/436184981_384266881099372_4784320893596848478_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mn1tJYNLZfIAb7h0Eo1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCGZmf86nOVP9kxxqPWTYMfThoUEwrHtCPwGSgu_5cOWQ&oe=6618FCC7	3	Novel paradise	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,011,208	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-04-07 16:42	active	455	436664645402458	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Cara," he finished with venom lacing his voice. "Now I'd advise you to brace yourself, it's going to be a bumpy ride."<br /> It's him, the greatest and most feared assassin in Russia, the Don of the Russian Mafia.<br /> Dimitri Volkov.<br /> But he called me Cara, my sister's name. Did he think I was Cara?<br /> "What do you want from me?" I ask, my voice trembling a bit.<br /> "Revenge," He grits out to me. <br /> "On Enzo?" My brows scrunch in confusion. He growls out and pulls me close to him.<br /> "On you, Cara."<br /> ————————<br /> My name is Cora Fletcher, I'm 23 years old.<br /> Born into a family of crime and the underworld, you can say I'm quite weak, I've never really liked this life, not since my sister was snatched from me at a very young age by my father because apparently he wanted one of his daughters to be more involved in this life and Cara fit the perfect description.<br /> I only saw her once every year for 15 minutes and I was never allowed to talk to her or even let her see me.<br /> We reunited after our parents died, of course as you can guess someone ordered a hit on their heads and they both were killed making it look like an accident.<br /> My sister Cara is the best female assassin out here in the underworld and she's married to the Don of the Italian mafia who also happens to be the best male assassin in the underworld, well basically in the Italian mafia.<br /> There's been rumors of a leader in the Russian mafia, a nameless fear, someone who many think is better than Enzo in terms of ruling and ruthlessness, the best assassin known to the Russians.<br /> In case you're wondering, Cara and I are twins.<br /> She has been the one looking out for me since we were young and when our parents died, she offered me a place to stay in her husband's mansion.<br /> I've been here with them for about two years now, I'm not really a fan of the mafia but I have no choice since I was literally born into it.<br /> My father worked with a line of trained assassins, he was well a trained assassin as well and so was my mom, so when the time came to pass down his legacy, he chose Cara which I'm grateful for, he didn't have any male children but he loved us greatly.<br /> My name is Cora and this is how my story starts.<br /> ...<br /> I moan lightly trying to adjust myself and my sight because I still saw blur even after seemingly waking up.<br /> I'm lying on a hard surface, it's cold and smells like blood and dirt, the whole surrounding is eerily scary and quiet, my sight adjusts to the darkness, mildly, I try to move and I realized I'm tied, my hands behind my back but my legs are not.<br /> I gently sit up, the whole room starts spinning and I feel sick to my stomach, I feel like I'm going to throw up any minute from now, memories from before I passed out starts rushing in.<br /> I remember the mansion being under attack and then someone breaking into my room and me trying to fight back before I was drugged, I look around and I'm in some kind of basement.<br /> My skin begins to crawl, I feel eyes on me but the room is too dark to even make out anything, I squint to get a clear vision and then I see shoes in the far end of the room, brown male shoes, whoever has them on is sitting down.<br /> I move away quickly but that's a bad idea because my whole body is on fire.<br /> "I thought you'd be out cold for the rest of the evening" the voice booms making me look up to find the strange shoes person having the voice<br /> His voice sounds unfamiliar and his accent is different from all the ones I've come to get used to, he's not Italian, I know that for sure<br /> "Who are you"? I squeak out barely a whisper, my throat is parched and I'm thirsty.<br /> "That's not of great importance right now" he voices out his thick accent rolling off his tongue, he gets up and walks towards me which allows me to take in his full appearance.<br /> He's rather tall, with dark long hair, his eyes are sharp Hazel, his face as hard as a rock, he has a small beard just below his face, he looks terrifying I must say.<br /> He stops in front of me and bends down so he's eye level with me, I move back on instinct, he puts his hand on his ear and speak in an unfamiliar language, he nods and answers like he's taking orders, all the while his eyes are trained on me.<br /> "The boss will see you now" he mutters before standing up, I thought he'd take me out of her to go see his boss, whoever it is but now, he just takes two steps away from me still leaving me there.<br /> From his accent, language and face I can tell he's Russian, which only means one thing, The Russians have me.<br /> Which in turns means I'm miles away from home, From Cara, I start panicking.<br /> How will they find me?<br /> I'm probably going to die before they do, the Russians are merciless and if there's anything they don't possess, it's compassion.<br /> I'm still thinking about my fate when I hear heavy footsteps, followed by opening of the door to wherever I am.<br /> The moment the person steps in, the air around me shifts, even the man from before becomes still and poise, the whole atmosphere changes.<br /> Whoever it is that just walked inside this room, holds a whole lot of power, even the way he walks screams authority, I've not seen his face yet because he's still in the shadows but I feel the chills all over my body.<br /> "I must say... It was very easy getting you here" even his voice is nothing compared to what I've been hearing all my life, it has this strong authority to it, it's hard, gruff, husky and terrifying all together, I feel my skin crawl with goosebumps<br /> I don't miss the accent to which his voice is laced.<br /> "For someone so protected, you were easy prey to my men" he continues walking around me not letting me see his face.<br /> "Who are you and why am I here"? I croak out, I'm afraid and I'm not going to hide it, if he wanted me dead, I'd have been dead, something tells me he doesn't want to kill me.<br /> He laughs, a menacing, low and taunting laugh, it has nothing friendly to it, it's the kind of laugh that sends cold chills through the body.<br /> "Who I am....hmm let me see" he thinks for a moment, his voice is now coming from behind me "well some people refer to me as the devil, some say ghost and to many others, I'm just a myth people tell their kids as bedtime stories" he says with so much confidence and pride dripping off his voice "as to why you're here, you're smart, you should know that by now" he mutters out.<br /> His explanation of himself makes me gulp hard, I'm scared out of my wits, I'm not even going to lie, and he said I'd know why I was here but I'm coming up with nothing.<br /> "What are you going to do to me"? I ask my voice trembling<br /> "For now, nothing. I'm just going to keep you here for a day or two, let you starve maybe, let's say I'm prepping you for what's to come" he says dangerously low.<br /> By now he had walked to the front of the room, still making sure he's hidden in the shadows, I'm trying hard to see him but it's impossible.<br /> "And what's to come... Is not so good.." he paused before walking out of the shadows and into the light so I could see him, from his legs up to his broad chest and his perfect jawline, clean shaved face, pointed nose and his piercing green eyes.<br /> The air got knocked out of me, he had a sinister smirk perched on his face, he looked..... Handsome and young.<br /> Maybe in his early 30s, his face was void of any emotions, so were his eyes, they bore into my soul with great contempt and anger.<br /> He had dark brown hair, he stood tall peering down at me like I was an insect.<br /> It's him, the greatest and most fear assassin in all of Russia, the Don of the Russian Mafia.<br /> Dimitri Volkov<br /> "Cara" he finished with venom lacing his voice.<br /> "Now I'd advice you brace yourself, it's going to be a bumpy ride."<br /> He held a lot of authority, no doubt about that.<br /> He commanded fear and respect wherever he went.<br /> But he called me Cara. Did he think I was Cara?<br /> Did he kidnap me thinking he was kidnapping Cara?<br /> I mean we look exactly alike, same hair, same eyes color, only Cara stood a bit taller than me but someone who's never seen us both together would never be able to tell us apart from each other.<br /> And us being seen together is something that has never happened, When Cara decided that she'd take over dad's legacy and become an assassin herself, Dad made sure to keep me hidden from public eyes, I was even homeschooled.<br /> The media and everyone in the underworld only knew about Cara, they know my dad had only one daughter, no one ever knew about me, or that fact that Cara was in fact a twin.<br /> Even Enzo was shocked the day he met me, it took him a while to adjust to seeing an exact replica of his wife around the mansion.<br /> And I think Dimitri is among the people that never knew of my existence, he thinks he's holding Cara hostage, when infact Cara is still home with Enzo.<br /> He probably thinks he has the best female assassin in the world locked in his basement, I'm just a twin, I don't even know how to hold a firepower or a knife, let alone use one.<br /> "Let's talk."<br /> I gulped visibly when he uttered that word, that word alone got me hot, scared and terrified, I wonder what he wants to talk about.<br /> He had this look in his eyes, it was vicious, cold, distant and wicked.<br /> I mean I've heard stories of him but sitting here on this cold floor looking at him, something tells me he holds a grudge for me or more specifically Cara.<br /> "Whatever I tell you now, I'll only say once so be careful not to miss anything" he spit out his stare not wavering.<br /> "You're here as my prisoner, and no I don't want or demand any Ransom from your husband for your return, you'll be here for as long as I want you to be" he begins still looking at me<br /> "Of course you know what happens to prisoners, since you've had your fair share of taking some for your former Don" he grits out a very dangerous tone to his voice, it's like he's hinting at something but I don't know what.<br /> "You will remain in this basement without any food or water, unless of course I'm in a good mood, of course you'll be tortured from time to time" he adds making me scared, I can't handle mafia torturing<br /> "Have it in mind that I'll document some of these torture as a souvenir for your dear husband" he tells me still keeping a hard glare on me<br /> He stops as if waiting for me to say something but all I do is just lower my head, his stare scares me, it unnerves me and puts me on edge.<br /> I have never had to face anyone like this, not in my entire life.<br /> Cara is the brave, bold and witty one<br /> I'm just the silent, shy and naive of the both of us.<br /> I don't want to tell him that I'm not Cara because if he knows, then he'll realize he has no use for me and probably kill me<br /> Men like him have no room for compassion or pity, they shoot first and ask questions later and I'm not willing to put my life at risk.<br /> "I expected more of a fight from you, this is not the famous assassin I've been hearing so much about for the years" he mutters out tauntingly, of course I'm not her dumb, but of course I don't have the nerve to say that out loud.<br /> "I can say I'm very disappointed" he spits.<br /> "Where am I"? I ask after minutes of watching him talk, at least I should know where I am should in case I escape, which is most likely not going to happen but let me hope.<br /> "You should know by now" he says smirking at me "You're in Russia" he whispers, I suspected it but now that he confirms it my blood runs cold.<br /> How will Cara ever find me?<br /> I'm in a foreign land with no means of reaching anyone I know, worse, they think I'm someone else.<br /> What will happen to me if he finds out I'm not Cara but infact the exact opposite of who he wanted.<br /> "Vissarion will make sure you're comfortable as much as a prisoner should be" he says with an evil smile and sinister look in his eyes<br /> He gets up from the chair and starts making his way to the door, but my voice quickly stops him.<br /> "If I'm going to stay here for long, the least you can do is let me have my bath, I stink" I mutter the last part out, I see his shoulder tense before he turns around and faces me<br /> "You want a bath "? He asks giving me a weird look, in this moment I don't even know what I'm doing, I just nod like an idiot, which isn't really a good idea.<br /> "Vissarion" his voice booms out through the whole basement and within seconds, The man from before enters as if he's been standing outside, he bows in front of Dimitri in respect<br /> "Our little wants a bath" he says in a mocking tone and as if the man understands, he just nods before going back out again.<br /> Dimitri has his eyes dead set on me, glaring, staring, studying and watching me, it's making me uncomfortable, I feel small sitting here.<br /> I feel like he's going to squash me with his eyes or worse, he's going to kill me.<br /> I squirm a bit, the floor is cold and hard and I've been in this position for hours it's getting hard to get blood moving all over my body.<br /> Suddenly the door opens again to reveal Vissarion, I believe is what Dimitri called him, but this time he has something with him... A bucket, I assume a bucket of water.<br /> He hands it to Dimitri before taking two steps back, Dimitri takes it from him before inspecting it and looking at me with the same glare.<br /> He starts walking towards me "you wanted a bath?" He asks tauntingly, and I shake my head trying to move back, I don't know what he wants to do but I know it's not something I'll like at all.<br /> Before I can even get a chance to say anything he turns the bucket in his hands upside down and empties the whole content on my body, as soon as the cold water comes in contact with my skin i cant help but squeak and yelp out loudly.<br /> I tense at the contact, my whole body is drenched in cold water, very cold, my dress is wet completely, in fact my whole body is dripping with water.<br /> He hands the bucket back to Vissarion, who quickly takes it from him.<br /> He bends down to my eye level moving some of hair out of my face.<br /> "Do you feel clean now, hmm? Or you want more bath"? He taunts making me shut my eyes before opening them back and glaring at him hard.<br /> He doesn't even seem fazed by my anger or glare, I don't even have any words to say to him because I can already feel my whole body covered in cold spots.<br /> I'm definitely going to catch a cold, he gets up abruptly and walks out the door with Vissarion tailing behind him and locking me inside.<br /> ...<br /> Dimitri<br /> Ivan knows how to tick me off, there's a reason I never let him come visit me and he knows, that's why he didn't call that he was coming today, he just showed up while I was in a meeting, Vissarion had to interrupt my meeting to tell me that my cousin is down the basement with my hostage.<br /> I get there and I find him having a chit chat with her, like she's some top tier guest.<br /> I don't like the way she looks at me, like she's innocent which she's not.<br /> I've heard and seen pictures of her from various people, they all talk about two things, she's very young and very beautiful.<br /> Which isn't a total lie, The Best there is in what she does as a woman, one of the sole reasons I hate her, why she's locked up down there.<br /> Personally I don't have a problem with the Italian mafia, ever since taking over as the Don at the age of 18, I have tried to stay clear off any drama, including wars with any other mafia.<br /> But I know I crossed that line having her here, I'm just surprised her so called husband hasn't called yet to demand ransom for her release, according to rumors, she's Enzo's prized possession, his jewel, so why is she still in my basement?<br /> Why hasn't Lorenzo De Luca called me to request the release of his wife yet?<br /> I have had her with me for a month now.<br /> I haven't even done anything to her yet, I've been busy with handling the family that I've not had time to really go have a talk with her, a talk that might most likely end up in me torturing her.<br /> She was actually very easy to capture for my men, for someone so skilled and powerful, I didn't expect them to be able to get her at first trial, I was thinking she'd put up too much of a fight or restraint but nothing.<br /> Since being here, she hasn't tried to escape, not even an attempt, I know she's probably planning something but I'm not going to wait around to find out, that is why I still have her on chains and in the basement.<br /> ...<br /> "Any news from the Italian"? I ask my underboss Vissarion as he sits in front of me and he just shakes his head<br /> "нет" he responds making me nod slowly, Enzo really isn't going to call or try to reach out to get his wife, personally I don't even care because of he does call, I won't even let him speak to her let alone give him hope of ever seeing her again<br /> (Translation: no)<br /> Vissarion hasn't left yet and he hasn't made to leave, which means he has something to tell me but he's trying not to.<br /> "What is it Vis"? I ask him and he just breathes out<br /> "Nothing boss...." He pauses before he continues "it's just that it's been a month already, I don't think she knows why you took her" he says making me look at him.<br /> "She does, she's just very good at acting and pretending to be clueless, she knows why I have her here" I tell him.<br /> I know she knows me, or at least she's heard of me before, I'm a very known name around the underworld, I saw the shock and fear in her eyes when I stepped into the light, I didn't have to say my name, she already knew it was me.<br /> Not many people have the privilege of meeting me, and those who have, don't really live to tell the tale.<br /> "Come" I say getting up and Vissarion following right behind me as we both walk out of my study, I head to the basement to check on the prisoner I have there.<br /> It doesn't seem as if she gets the message, maybe because I haven't had the time to show her just what I'm capable of, she's heard of it yes, but she's never seen it first hand.<br /> I walk down the basement and I come face to face with the huge metallic doors, two guards stand in front of it watching, they stand straight and bow their heads the moment they see me, I just go ahead and open the door before walking in, with Vissarion following behind me.<br /> The moment I walk in and meet eyes with her, I see her visibly gulp and adjusts herself, she barely ever moves from her sitting position, well where will she go, she's afraid of me<br /> She should be<br /> I stop in front of her with Vissarion standing at the door.<br /> "I don't know what you discussed with my cousin and I don't care, but what I do find strange is why he's soliciting on your behalf to at least let you bath" I say lowly and she just looks up at me with those big blue eyes, the way she looks sometimes is so annoying I just want pluck them off.<br /> "Do you think you deserve a bath"? I ask bending down to her eye level.<br /> "If soaking me wet again with a bucket of water is your idea of a bath, then I think I'll pass" she mutters not meeting my gaze.<br /> She's got guts talking back at me, especially with such a tone.<br /> "I'd advice you watch your tone with me " I spit at her "I wouldn't hesitate to put a magazine through your head, you are of no use to me" I tell her and I see a ghost of a smile playing on her lips, why is she smiling?<br /> "You won't kill me, if you wanted to kill me, you won't go through the troubles of bringing me here" she voices out as if taunting me, her eyes holding an array of hope.<br /> I laugh, not a funny or genuine laugh, an empty one.<br /> "Don't mistake my lack of time for sympathy, don't test me , I will kill you if you push me past breaking point" I mutter lowly very close to her face, I see her confidence waver and it causes me to smirk.<br /> "What do you want from me"? She asks her voice trembling a bit.<br /> "Revenge," I grit out to her and I see her brows scrunch in confusion.<br /> "On Enzo"? She asks making me growl out, I shake my head slowly before grabbing her face in a tight grip and pulling her close to me.<br /> "On you, Cara."	LEARN_MORE	https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNDM5NTQvMjA	123910400815364	Mob001	https://facebook.com/61553314005849	51	1	383,425,711,226,591	2024-04-07 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Mob001	120207968625240415	a.mobobooks.com	NONE	video		https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNDM5NTQvMjAyNDA0MDcxNzE5NDcvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-04-07 04:25	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435471688_411933634790807_5655719267088231150_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IX_WmWuDAcgAb4ILYY9&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCXd25TCDxzr9sJznvZNT9LkGsgs8hZQfxSSMTB2aGYQg&oe=6618EBDD	person_profile	Mob001	https://scontent-lax3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/435404961_370714509287172_5943117098817467412_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=f1chWbVTofEAb7m4ztT&_nc_ht=scontent-lax3-2.xx&oh=00_AfA-H6U2CnzOZCQjxNEaYC-3RSK-iqd9rBPyQk-KAFfN6A&oe=6618CF21	3	Mob001	2024-04-07 02:00	View Edit Delete

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