Confucius Ads Library: Ads

Id	Vlad	Saved	Scrape Time	Status	Scrape Result	Title	Body	Cta Type	Link Url	Page Name	Page Profile Uri	Page Like Count	Enddate	Cta Text	Caption	Display Format	Link Description	Link Url	Creation Time	Page Profile Picture Url	Page Entity Type	Current Page Name	Startdate	Actions
2,707,401	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707400}'	No	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	💛Protect what matters most, your health!	🚴‍♂️ You can buy a new phone, a new house, but not a new heart! 💔 Don’t wait until there’s a problem to start caring for your hear. Magnesium Glycinate keeps your heartbeat steady, supports healthy blood pressure, and protects your cardiovascular health. 💕A strong heart = a long, healthy life!	SHOP_NOW	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	DIPO Health Harmony	https://www.facebook.com/dipo.healthharmony/	102	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	dipohealthharmony.com	DCO	Sale up to 46% OFF now!	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481055179_1588857295164380_6563299210234030212_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CCkPoeXpZJsQ7kNvgEtXmG8&_nc_oc=AdjxjktsFx9aeuKECrYurTsbF4Tv25ZZTZ8H5TgxXl9aEgyBXJALT_LdiQ99WDMfZkLPMqkrwjF7LDZi9MytiZMj&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYAXK8KOcLVJCh45cYOKwzZ4HqmE9ehXmO2j39P2La40gQ&oe=67C721FF	PERSON_PROFILE	DIPO Health Harmony	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,403	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707400}'	No	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	🚫Ditch the caffeine crash! Get real energy 👉	🚨 Running on 10% battery? Here’s the fix! 😵 If every morning feels like a struggle, your body might be missing Magnesium. It fuels your cells with real, sustainable energy, so you can get through the day without feeling like a zombie.	SHOP_NOW	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	DIPO Health Harmony	https://www.facebook.com/dipo.healthharmony/	102	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	dipohealthharmony.com	DCO	Sale up to 46% OFF now!	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480594782_1337643377575819_1561488580327159605_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A33uICBhyyQQ7kNvgGKfzv8&_nc_oc=AdjGgl7LBBTAfZdDzVWLPW4WpwrOsrRzVgvJW3ZSm3kROJ4km65L01mKCLSL9DrnN7QK8jj5dkT_cmPgwtK-mLZx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYASB8shMN4u-B9kjhf7ZJMjomYN-j2GF0zMeixiYYogLA&oe=67C71647	PERSON_PROFILE	DIPO Health Harmony	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,406	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707400}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Want to level up your workouts? Learn how 👉	🚨 Training hard but not seeing results? Here’s why! 🏋️‍♂️ Your muscles need more than just protein. Magnesium is essential for muscle repair and performance. Without it, you’re holding yourself back. Add Magnesium Glycinate to your routine and feel the difference!	SHOP_NOW	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	DIPO Health Harmony	https://www.facebook.com/dipo.healthharmony/	102	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	dipohealthharmony.com	DCO	Sale up to 46% OFF now!	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481187125_553642280329992_7276801363113918868_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZLH7-uAl4M4Q7kNvgHs7Vzq&_nc_oc=AdhIeTbcGr1VqwzjgtKpePFJL-FIG9cwVQca5fEC7O4Q0lxb9f-a3xos4bT6AKPEIRsXadxuQZHM5MqJ-ail5VAE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYCAKYD4gWh0a0S6_QqftV5BeZPANe_sdUUPcJxMSkh3CA&oe=67C70E04	PERSON_PROFILE	DIPO Health Harmony	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,407	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707400}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Want to level up your workouts? Learn how 👉	🚨 Training hard but not seeing results? Here’s why! 🏋️‍♂️ Your muscles need more than just protein. Magnesium is essential for muscle repair and performance. Without it, you’re holding yourself back. Add Magnesium Glycinate to your routine and feel the difference!	SHOP_NOW	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	DIPO Health Harmony	https://www.facebook.com/dipo.healthharmony/	102	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	dipohealthharmony.com	DCO	Sale up to 46% OFF now!	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481187125_553642280329992_7276801363113918868_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZLH7-uAl4M4Q7kNvgHs7Vzq&_nc_oc=AdhIeTbcGr1VqwzjgtKpePFJL-FIG9cwVQca5fEC7O4Q0lxb9f-a3xos4bT6AKPEIRsXadxuQZHM5MqJ-ail5VAE&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYCAKYD4gWh0a0S6_QqftV5BeZPANe_sdUUPcJxMSkh3CA&oe=67C70E04	PERSON_PROFILE	DIPO Health Harmony	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,405	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707400}'	No	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	🚫Ditch the caffeine crash! Get real energy 👉	🚨 Running on 10% battery? Here’s the fix! 😵 If every morning feels like a struggle, your body might be missing Magnesium. It fuels your cells with real, sustainable energy, so you can get through the day without feeling like a zombie.	SHOP_NOW	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	DIPO Health Harmony	https://www.facebook.com/dipo.healthharmony/	102	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	dipohealthharmony.com	DCO	Sale up to 46% OFF now!	http://dipohealthharmony.com/mg-03	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480594782_1337643377575819_1561488580327159605_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=A33uICBhyyQQ7kNvgGKfzv8&_nc_oc=AdjGgl7LBBTAfZdDzVWLPW4WpwrOsrRzVgvJW3ZSm3kROJ4km65L01mKCLSL9DrnN7QK8jj5dkT_cmPgwtK-mLZx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYASB8shMN4u-B9kjhf7ZJMjomYN-j2GF0zMeixiYYogLA&oe=67C71647	PERSON_PROFILE	DIPO Health Harmony	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,411	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707409}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Stop paying for reading 👉	📣📣Everyone is the circle gasped as they looked at me expectantly. I noticed people at the back of the room stopped what they're doing and looked our way with curious expressions. It felt like everyone was holding their breath for my response. I don't know what response they were expecting, but I'm sure they didn't expect what I said next. "Who?" That's when everyone burst into chaos. Everyone started talking over each other, standing up and displaying exaggerated reactions. What I heard among the chaos was, "How do you not know who Irene is?", "Do you live under rock?", "My girl said 'who?'!", "That's the spirit!" I glanced at Jay in confusion, who also wore a confused expression. He then shrugged and carried on sipping his drink. Good idea, let's just sip on our coke until everyone calms down. To my surprise, it took less time then I estimated for everyone to settle down. Daniel was the first to speak again. "So do you really not know who Irene is or were you just saying it to show you don't consider her a rival?" Everyone quiets down as they waited for my reply. I shrugged and took a sip of my drink, unintentionally increasing everyone's anticipation. Realising that they needed a verbal answer, I replied with, "I don't know who Irene is." I heard a few gasps and people letting out a sharp breaths. Who is Irene to have so many people displaying big reactions about her? My curiosity peaked after evaluating people's expressions; it's seems to me that I am out of the loop of something big. Which I'm not too surprised about; I'm usually oblivious to gossip and what's being talked about recently. I'm always the last to know about things. "Da mn, you must live under a rock." The nice girl said, climbing off her mate and situated herself in front of me. "Okay, so is anyone going to explain who Irene is or what?" I asked, hanging the question in the air. "I gladly will." The nice girl responded with a wink. "My name is Hana, if you were wondering." She carried on before I could say anything. "Since you became the first female warrior in the US, there has been many other female wolves who have been following your footsteps. Just recently, I would say about couple months ago, a female wolf called Irene has been winning every match she has been in." Isn't that a good thing? Another female wolf who's dominating her matches, that's amazing! I not only travel to other packs for matches, but to also empower the females there and show their worth in fighting. "What pack is she from?" I asked. Silence. "Well?" I prodded, wondering why no one was answering. "The BlackShadowed Pack." Daniel whispered, looking at me expectantly. Oh. So she's from that pack? I've never set foot on their territory, nor do I plan on doing so. I've heard bad and dark rumours surrounding that pack. The former Alpha was nicknamed the 'Mad Alpha' because of his crazy, shady and dirty ways of doing pack business. I guess it worked for him since they are the most powerful pack in the United States. It's been two years since the 'Mad Alpha' died, yet the pack seems to operate the same way. I heard that the current Alpha, although quite young, is just as bad as his father. "Moving on, so Irene has been challenging the best fighters in every pack. Including you." Hana carried on, plopping her head on her hand. "She's won all the matches so far." So Irene wants to go against me? It sounds like she'll actually be some competition which, I can't lie, sounds exciting. Although, that doesn't mean I can accept the challenge; I have to think of this pack's reputation. We cant afford to associate with that pack, not when we're known to have a clean record. The Imperial Pride Pack is second to The BlackShadowed Pack when it comes to power, territorial land and influence. The biggest difference between us is how we manage the pack and the money. "That's not all, Elisia." Hana said, catching my attention again. "She's been running her mouth for months now, saying that she is 'better than you' in every way. Since you have not replied to her request to fight, she's been calling you a 'coward' and 'poser'. She's known for brutally finishing her opponent at the end of a fight, leaving them almost dead and calls herself 'The White devil.' It's been causing so much drama and gossip in all the packs lately, that's why we assumed you knew." Oh. Well, da mn. How do I respond to that? "Wow." I said in a monotone voice. However, inside I was boiling. This Irene girl doesn't even know me, and has the nerve to judge me like that. I had no idea who she was and that she has requested to fight me, until now. Usually Magnus organises these events for me as well as notifies me on who requested to fight me. Why didn't he tell me about her? Is it because of the pack she belongs to? Not to mention, she apparently leaves them 'almost dead' at the end of a match? Honestly any strong fighter can do that, but where is the respect in that? A sparring match is about testing your physical and mental ability to fight, not about trying to kill each other. That is only reserved for the battlefield. "So? Do you consider her a rival?" Daniel asked. "She's causing quite a stir in the community. The last female who caused this much stir was you." "Will you accept the challenge and fight?" Someone else in the circle shouted. I stayed silent, not wanting to say the wrong thing. If I showed any signs of accepting the match request, then they all may share that 'I accepted the challenge' on social media. Magnus must've not told me for a reason, so I'll need to find out why before I make a decision. "We will review the conditions of the request before making any decisions, so please refrain yourselves from asking if she'll accept." Jayden spoke up, walking over to us. I sent him a grateful smile, he always knows when to come in. I stood up, stretching my numb legs from sitting in the same position for too long. Did they really think Irene could beat me in a fighting match? They way they were describing her made it seem like they think she can rival me. Can she? There is no way of knowing until I see her fight, I wonder if there is a video about. Couple hours later ~ Almost everyone was gone, just a few people stayed behind to help us clean up the mess. It was just me, Jay, Hana and her mate, who I now know is called Michael. Thankfully, all we had to clean the first floor of the house since the upstairs was off limits during the party. A downstairs toilet is useful for occasions like this or people would have the opportunity to snoop in our rooms and personal stuff. Kaitlyn and Magnus walked down the stairs, making an appearance. There were times where I'd look at them and realise how different they look from me. Obviously we weren't related in any way, but when I was younger it actually bothered me. I looked so out of place, making it more obvious that I didn't really belong with them. Jay inherited their curly golden blond hair. He got his green eyes from his mother whereas Magnus had brown eyes. You could say I look the complete opposite from them. I have waist length chestnut brown wavy hair. I was born with stormy grey eyes, which are framed by my thick dark curly eyelashes. I have this natural flush on my cheeks which gives people the impression I'm cute...before they find out who I am. I have this tendency of biting my lips when I'm concentrating thus making them look almost red, a habit that Kaitlyn has tried to uninstall for years.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h	Reading Stories	https://www.facebook.com/refkkaaaiww24/	775	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happy.topnovels	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482101141_997471212523927_972906463032190618_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZIL7Vx5J2AUQ7kNvgGmlx7N&_nc_oc=AdimABFhfi91UFDx_Q-v8a4dEMCq7lKFfQEAC6yC8LHWAx82lE-ogL0ofDgGHh1MOKIM9u04eIrNyz_o9vn-bT7m&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYARMO9G4F21R4Y4YXK2U0ToASgWfoNP_cqzsLwOAWZVeg&oe=67C72293	PERSON_PROFILE	Reading Stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,410	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707409}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Stop paying for reading 👉	📣📣Everyone is the circle gasped as they looked at me expectantly. I noticed people at the back of the room stopped what they're doing and looked our way with curious expressions. It felt like everyone was holding their breath for my response. I don't know what response they were expecting, but I'm sure they didn't expect what I said next. "Who?" That's when everyone burst into chaos. Everyone started talking over each other, standing up and displaying exaggerated reactions. What I heard among the chaos was, "How do you not know who Irene is?", "Do you live under rock?", "My girl said 'who?'!", "That's the spirit!" I glanced at Jay in confusion, who also wore a confused expression. He then shrugged and carried on sipping his drink. Good idea, let's just sip on our coke until everyone calms down. To my surprise, it took less time then I estimated for everyone to settle down. Daniel was the first to speak again. "So do you really not know who Irene is or were you just saying it to show you don't consider her a rival?" Everyone quiets down as they waited for my reply. I shrugged and took a sip of my drink, unintentionally increasing everyone's anticipation. Realising that they needed a verbal answer, I replied with, "I don't know who Irene is." I heard a few gasps and people letting out a sharp breaths. Who is Irene to have so many people displaying big reactions about her ? My curiosity peaked after evaluating people's expressions; it's seems to me that I am out of the loop of something big. Which I'm not too surprised about; I'm usually oblivious to gossip and what's being talked about recently. I'm always the last to know about things. "Da mn, you must live under a rock." The nice girl said, climbing off her mate and situated herself in front of me. "Okay, so is anyone going to explain who Irene is or what?" I asked, hanging the question in the air. "I gladly will." The nice girl responded with a wink. "My name is Hana, if you were wondering." She carried on before I could say anything. "Since you became the first female warrior in the US, there has been many other female wolves who have been following your footsteps. Just recently, I would say about couple months ago, a female wolf called Irene has been winning every match she has been in." Isn't that a good thing? Another female wolf who's dominating her matches, that's amazing! I not only travel to other packs for matches, but to also empower the females there and show their worth in fighting. "What pack is she from?" I asked. Silence. "Well?" I prodded, wondering why no one was answering. "The BlackShadowed Pack." Daniel whispered, looking at me expectantly. Oh. So she's from that pack? I've never set foot on their territory, nor do I plan on doing so. I've heard bad and dark rumours surrounding that pack. The former Alpha was nicknamed the 'Mad Alpha' because of his crazy, shady and dirty ways of doing pack business. I guess it worked for him since they are the most powerful pack in the United States. It's been two years since the 'Mad Alpha' died, yet the pack seems to operate the same way. I heard that the current Alpha, although quite young, is just as bad as his father. "Moving on, so Irene has been challenging the best fighters in every pack. Including you." Hana carried on, plopping her head on her hand. "She's won all the matches so far." So Irene wants to go against me? It sounds like she'll actually be some competition which, I can't lie, sounds exciting. Although, that doesn't mean I can accept the challenge; I have to think of this pack's reputation. We cant afford to associate with that pack, not when we're known to have a clean record. The Imperial Pride Pack is second to The BlackShadowed Pack when it comes to power, territorial land and influence. The biggest difference between us is how we manage the pack and the money. "That's not all, Elisia." Hana said, catching my attention again. "She's been running her mouth for months now, saying that she is 'better than you' in every way. Since you have not replied to her request to fight, she's been calling you a 'coward' and 'poser'. She's known for brutally finishing her opponent at the end of a fight, leaving them almost dead and calls herself 'The White devil.' It's been causing so much drama and gossip in all the packs lately, that's why we assumed you knew." Oh. Well, da mn. How do I respond to that? "Wow." I said in a monotone voice. However, inside I was boiling. This Irene girl doesn't even know me, and has the nerve to judge me like that. I had no idea who she was and that she has requested to fight me, until now. Usually Magnus organises these events for me as well as notifies me on who requested to fight me. Why didn't he tell me about her? Is it because of the pack she belongs to? Not to mention, she apparently leaves them 'almost dead' at the end of a match? Honestly any strong fighter can do that, but where is the respect in that? A sparring match is about testing your physical and mental ability to fight, not about trying to kill each other. That is only reserved for the battlefield. "So? Do you consider her a rival?" Daniel asked. "She's causing quite a stir in the community. The last female who caused this much stir was you." "Will you accept the challenge and fight?" Someone else in the circle shouted. I stayed silent, not wanting to say the wrong thing. If I showed any signs of accepting the match request, then they all may share that 'I accepted the challenge' on social media. Magnus must've not told me for a reason, so I'll need to find out why before I make a decision. "We will review the conditions of the request before making any decisions, so please refrain yourselves from asking if she'll accept." Jayden spoke up, walking over to us. I sent him a grateful smile, he always knows when to come in. I stood up, stretching my numb legs from sitting in the same position for too long. Did they really think Irene could beat me in a fighting match? They way they were describing her made it seem like they think she can rival me. Can she? There is no way of knowing until I see her fight, I wonder if there is a video about. Couple hours later ~ Almost everyone was gone, just a few people stayed behind to help us clean up the mess. It was just me, Jay, Hana and her mate, who I now know is called Michael. Thankfully, all we had to clean the first floor of the house since the upstairs was off limits during the party. A downstairs toilet is useful for occasions like this or people would have the opportunity to snoop in our rooms and personal stuff. Kaitlyn and Magnus walked down the stairs, making an appearance. There were times where I'd look at them and realise how different they look from me. Obviously we weren't related in any way, but when I was younger it actually bothered me. I looked so out of place, making it more obvious that I didn't really belong with them. Jay inherited their curly golden blond hair. He got his green eyes from his mother whereas Magnus had brown eyes. You could say I look the complete opposite from them. I have waist length chestnut brown wavy hair. I was born with stormy grey eyes, which are framed by my thick dark curly eyelashes. I have this natural flush on my cheeks which gives people the impression I'm cute...before they find out who I am. I have this tendency of biting my lips when I'm concentrating thus making them look almost red, a habit that Kaitlyn has tried to uninstall for years.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h	Reading Stories	https://www.facebook.com/refkkaaaiww24/	775	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happy.topnovels	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481663278_1424461222319456_6059861819769745513_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jvWS9MOALooQ7kNvgFoaKIa&_nc_oc=Adilno0T5My5wgm4iYXhXxoC8F9WSojM9pA3qKepc8DgHPiOim8H3d7bnsmZ-cS6c8DONSybxmkyZ7vlEOLjpWQR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYD_lZ3pHF2aqpV6eWJartj-hWHT0e_z3YKsLhfPbjmYzQ&oe=67C71791	PERSON_PROFILE	Reading Stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,414	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707409}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Stop paying for reading 👉	📣📣Everyone is the circle gasped as they looked at me expectantly. I noticed people at the back of the room stopped what they're doing and looked our way with curious expressions. It felt like everyone was holding their breath for my response. I don't know what response they were expecting, but I'm sure they didn't expect what I said next. "Who?" That's when everyone burst into chaos. Everyone started talking over each other, standing up and displaying exaggerated reactions. What I heard among the chaos was, "How do you not know who Irene is?", "Do you live under rock?", "My girl said 'who?'!", "That's the spirit!" I glanced at Jay in confusion, who also wore a confused expression. He then shrugged and carried on sipping his drink. Good idea, let's just sip on our coke until everyone calms down. To my surprise, it took less time then I estimated for everyone to settle down. Daniel was the first to speak again. "So do you really not know who Irene is or were you just saying it to show you don't consider her a rival?" Everyone quiets down as they waited for my reply. I shrugged and took a sip of my drink, unintentionally increasing everyone's anticipation. Realising that they needed a verbal answer, I replied with, "I don't know who Irene is." I heard a few gasps and people letting out a sharp breaths. Who is Irene to have so many people displaying big reactions about her ? My curiosity peaked after evaluating people's expressions; it's seems to me that I am out of the loop of something big. Which I'm not too surprised about; I'm usually oblivious to gossip and what's being talked about recently. I'm always the last to know about things. "Da mn, you must live under a rock." The nice girl said, climbing off her mate and situated herself in front of me. "Okay, so is anyone going to explain who Irene is or what?" I asked, hanging the question in the air. "I gladly will." The nice girl responded with a wink. "My name is Hana, if you were wondering." She carried on before I could say anything. "Since you became the first female warrior in the US, there has been many other female wolves who have been following your footsteps. Just recently, I would say about couple months ago, a female wolf called Irene has been winning every match she has been in." Isn't that a good thing? Another female wolf who's dominating her matches, that's amazing! I not only travel to other packs for matches, but to also empower the females there and show their worth in fighting. "What pack is she from?" I asked. Silence. "Well?" I prodded, wondering why no one was answering. "The BlackShadowed Pack." Daniel whispered, looking at me expectantly. Oh. So she's from that pack? I've never set foot on their territory, nor do I plan on doing so. I've heard bad and dark rumours surrounding that pack. The former Alpha was nicknamed the 'Mad Alpha' because of his crazy, shady and dirty ways of doing pack business. I guess it worked for him since they are the most powerful pack in the United States. It's been two years since the 'Mad Alpha' died, yet the pack seems to operate the same way. I heard that the current Alpha, although quite young, is just as bad as his father. "Moving on, so Irene has been challenging the best fighters in every pack. Including you." Hana carried on, plopping her head on her hand. "She's won all the matches so far." So Irene wants to go against me? It sounds like she'll actually be some competition which, I can't lie, sounds exciting. Although, that doesn't mean I can accept the challenge; I have to think of this pack's reputation. We cant afford to associate with that pack, not when we're known to have a clean record. The Imperial Pride Pack is second to The BlackShadowed Pack when it comes to power, territorial land and influence. The biggest difference between us is how we manage the pack and the money. "That's not all, Elisia." Hana said, catching my attention again. "She's been running her mouth for months now, saying that she is 'better than you' in every way. Since you have not replied to her request to fight, she's been calling you a 'coward' and 'poser'. She's known for brutally finishing her opponent at the end of a fight, leaving them almost dead and calls herself 'The White devil.' It's been causing so much drama and gossip in all the packs lately, that's why we assumed you knew." Oh. Well, da mn. How do I respond to that? "Wow." I said in a monotone voice. However, inside I was boiling. This Irene girl doesn't even know me, and has the nerve to judge me like that. I had no idea who she was and that she has requested to fight me, until now. Usually Magnus organises these events for me as well as notifies me on who requested to fight me. Why didn't he tell me about her? Is it because of the pack she belongs to? Not to mention, she apparently leaves them 'almost dead' at the end of a match? Honestly any strong fighter can do that, but where is the respect in that? A sparring match is about testing your physical and mental ability to fight, not about trying to kill each other. That is only reserved for the battlefield. "So? Do you consider her a rival?" Daniel asked. "She's causing quite a stir in the community. The last female who caused this much stir was you." "Will you accept the challenge and fight?" Someone else in the circle shouted. I stayed silent, not wanting to say the wrong thing. If I showed any signs of accepting the match request, then they all may share that 'I accepted the challenge' on social media. Magnus must've not told me for a reason, so I'll need to find out why before I make a decision. "We will review the conditions of the request before making any decisions, so please refrain yourselves from asking if she'll accept." Jayden spoke up, walking over to us. I sent him a grateful smile, he always knows when to come in. I stood up, stretching my numb legs from sitting in the same position for too long. Did they really think Irene could beat me in a fighting match? They way they were describing her made it seem like they think she can rival me. Can she? There is no way of knowing until I see her fight, I wonder if there is a video about. Couple hours later ~ Almost everyone was gone, just a few people stayed behind to help us clean up the mess. It was just me, Jay, Hana and her mate, who I now know is called Michael. Thankfully, all we had to clean the first floor of the house since the upstairs was off limits during the party. A downstairs toilet is useful for occasions like this or people would have the opportunity to snoop in our rooms and personal stuff. Kaitlyn and Magnus walked down the stairs, making an appearance. There were times where I'd look at them and realise how different they look from me. Obviously we weren't related in any way, but when I was younger it actually bothered me. I looked so out of place, making it more obvious that I didn't really belong with them. Jay inherited their curly golden blond hair. He got his green eyes from his mother whereas Magnus had brown eyes. You could say I look the complete opposite from them. I have waist length chestnut brown wavy hair. I was born with stormy grey eyes, which are framed by my thick dark curly eyelashes. I have this natural flush on my cheeks which gives people the impression I'm cute...before they find out who I am. I have this tendency of biting my lips when I'm concentrating thus making them look almost red, a habit that Kaitlyn has tried to uninstall for years.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h	Reading Stories	https://www.facebook.com/refkkaaaiww24/	775	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happy.topnovels	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480795780_1327318521859189_4181104948827172543_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JjHSIj-DPZgQ7kNvgGSJxQv&_nc_oc=AdgvDEo1kfMuqa318RJYjilKAyMtqrWpB080XNJUjR0N-7PTaGtb94Ry-jim95D1DILHOw7X7op45sGQ6D-3eEfz&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYD7WVnSTxz-nV3LtFUDiGSwS1LmI_EpFkJaF0RZv5hJwA&oe=67C74053	PERSON_PROFILE	Reading Stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,420	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707166}'	No	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	😍Click to continue reading	I never thought I’d see him again. As I step off the bus, the scorching sun beats down on me. The heat here is unbearable, with not even the slightest breeze to offer relief. I already miss the places I've come to call home over the years. Grabbing my suitcase from the driver—who’s been eyeing me with a mix of disinterest and impatience—I flash him a polite smile, take my bag, and turn away without another glance. The bus station is smaller than I remember. I push through the crowd, scanning the faces around me, searching for my aunt. I’ve moved around more times than I can count—first with my mother, and then, after she passed away, with my aunt, who took me in along with her mate and daughter. Constantly relocating wasn’t a choice; it was a necessity. Someone was always after me. My aunt was insistent that I return to this town, though I still don’t understand why. This place holds nothing but bad memories for me—especially since he is here. I refuse to say his name. He abandoned my mother and me when I was just ten years old. I watched her heart break a little more each day, while he never once looked back. He was too caught up in his pack, too in love with his own life to remember the daughter he left behind. So why did my aunt want me back here? She and my cousin Eleanor have settled in this place, but I made it clear—I would only return if it was a matter of life and death. And now, I’m back, trapped in a town that will no doubt become my personal hell. “Sierra, OVER HERE!” I hear her before I see her. Turning to my left, I spot my aunt waving frantically, bouncing on her toes to get my attention. I force a smile and start making my way toward her. As I walk, my senses sharpen. I can feel the weight of several eyes on me, curious and assessing. This town is a werewolf town. There are humans here, but my aunt told me they’re aware of the supernatural. Two packs live on the outskirts of town, sitting on opposite ends. One of them is his pack. And from what I’ve heard, they roam freely here. This is going to be interesting—a panther shifter living in the middle of werewolf territory. “Auntie,” I greet her with a smile, stepping closer. She groans at the word, her expression shifting immediately. “Sierra, you know I hate being called that.” I chuckle. “Sorry, Raven.” I pull her into a hug, feeling some of the tension ease from my body. “How was the trip?” she asks, taking my bag from me as we head toward the exit. “It was fine. First a plane ride, then a twelve-hour bus ride. There were a few stops along the way, so I got to stretch my legs. But I didn’t mind—I’m used to it. I also made sure no one was following me,” I add, glancing over my shoulder. That’s when I notice the bus driver handing off his keys to another driver. Both of them are staring right at me. I sigh. “If one more person keeps staring, I swear I’ll rip their throats out,” Aria growls in my mind. She’s my panther counterpart—always on edge, always ready for a fight. My mother was a panther shifter, just like me, just like Raven and Eleanor. “Why is everyone staring at me?” I mutter, uneasy. Aria steps forward in my mind, scanning the area through my eyes. Raven smirks. “Well, it’s not every day a stunning twenty-year-old woman rolls into town.” I snort. “Yeah, right. There must be plenty of girls here. But you know what I mean.” I catch two elderly women watching me. The moment I meet their eyes, they quickly look away—but one of them seems to be mind-linking someone. “I bet she’s telling her Alpha that someone new is here,” Aria muses, stretching lazily before retreating to the back of my mind. Raven studies me, lowering her voice. “Be careful when Aria comes forward. Your eyes shift color slightly.” I nod. “We’ll talk more in the car.” We exit the bus station and head toward the parking lot, Raven leading the way to her small Toyota. Just as we approach, a black Mustang screeches to a stop right in front of her car. Raven groans. “One Alpha too many,” she mutters under her breath. “Be nice, Sierra.” The driver steps out first, his gaze flicking to me before he opens the rear door. Two young men climb out, looking to be around my age. Then it hits me. A familiar scent—one I haven’t smelled in years. I stiffen as a low growl escapes me before I can stop it. I know that scent. He’s not my father. But he smells just like him. Which means... He must be his son. Chapter 2 Sierra I have a brother—or at least, someone who seems to be my age. "You must be Raven’s niece, Sierra. My name is Dane. I’m the Beta of the Dark Valley Pack, and this here is Caleb, our Gamma. We wanted to introduce ourselves," Dane said. I stared at him, unimpressed. His Alpha was either too busy or just didn’t care enough to find out who I was. "Yeah, that’s me. Now, can you move your car so we can leave?" I said through clenched teeth. Raven looked like she wanted to slap me but managed to restrain herself. "Sierra," she warned. "My apologies, we didn’t realize this was your car," Dane said, clearly lying. Raven had been living here for months, and they had to know. "Cruz, could you move the car to a parking spot, please?" The driver, Cruz, nodded, got back into the car, and drove it into a space on the opposite side of Raven’s vehicle. "Better?" Dane asked with a smug smile. "Yeah, I guess," I said with a hint of irritation. "Raven, can we go now? I’ve been awake for over twenty-four hours, and I’m exhausted." I let out a fake yawn for emphasis. Raven smirked, knowing full well I was just trying to get out of this conversation. "Of course, Sierra. Beta, Gamma, was there anything else you needed?" she asked while placing my bag in the back seat and loading my suitcase into the trunk. Both men looked at me, and I noticed Caleb seemed to be mind-linking someone. "He’s linking the Alpha," Aria, my wolf, murmured from the back of my mind. She had been watching everything unfold through my eyes, clearly amused. After a few seconds, Dane turned back to us, his expression unreadable. "No, nothing else. Oh, actually—one thing. We’ll be stopping by the café later to pick up the cakes we ordered for the ceremony." "No problem. They’ll be ready by the time you come to collect them. I hope the new Alpha has a great welcome-home party," Raven said. "Oh, he will," Dane replied with a cocky grin. I shuddered, my thoughts immediately going to all the crude things he could be implying. But then he caught me off guard. "You two should come," he said. Raven glanced at them before shaking her head. "I don’t think so. Sierra needs to rest after her long journey," she said. I knew exactly why she was acting this way, and my blood boiled. I knew who would be at that party. "Well, the invitation stands," Dane said. Caleb looked at me carefully. "You should come to the packhouse—" "I don’t think so," I cut him off before he could finish. "You both know my father is part of your pack. I will not—no, I will never—step foot in your packhouse. So why don’t you two go do whatever it is you need to do before I throw up all over those nice shoes of yours?" I snapped. I turned to open the car door but hesitated for a second, looking back at Caleb. "Oh, and do me a favor—say hi to my father. I doubt he’ll show his face anytime soon, especially since it’s been ten years since he last saw me. So enjoy your little party, but don’t ever come near me again." Without another word, I climbed into the car and slammed the door shut. "Stupid wolves," I muttered under my breath. I sat there, waiting for Raven to get in. Glancing through the window, I saw the three of them standing there, speechless from my outburst. I hated that man. I never wanted to see the person who abandoned me. "I apologize for Sierra," Raven said as she walked to the car, opening the driver’s side door. Dane had recovered from my outburst and gave me a smug smile. "I hope she changes her mind. We don’t want any trouble," he said. Without another word, the three of them turned and walked off. Raven and I watched them go. "Stupid wolves," I muttered again. "Sierra, you need to be careful with what you say," Raven warned as she started the engine. We pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road, driving in silence for a while. Finally, I broke it. "Raven, why did you want me here?" Chapter 3 Sierra "Raven, why did you want me here?" She sighed. "Because I wanted to see you. You’re my niece." I studied her face. I believed her, but I also knew there was more to it. "And?" I pressed. She was quiet for a moment. "Your father came into the café a few weeks ago when I first moved here. One of his pack members told him I was in town. He wanted to know how you were… and if you were coming back to live here," she admitted, stealing a glance at me. "He wants to get to know you, Sierra." I laughed dryly. "Yeah, sure. He hasn’t cared for ten years. Why now?" She shrugged. "I don’t know. I understand why you hate him for what he did to your mother and for abandoning you. I hate him too. But when I told him you’d never want to see him again… he seemed genuinely hurt." I didn’t respond. I knew Raven would let me make my own choice about this, but as far as I was concerned, that man was dead to me. "Sierra, you don’t know the full story of why he left," she said softly. I turned to her, my expression blank. The problem with that? I did know why he left. And I knew exactly what had made him do it. Either Raven didn’t know, or she believed whatever lies he had told her. Trying to change the subject, I asked, "Who’s the new Alpha? Why are they throwing a welcome-home party for him?" She hesitated before answering. "His name is Damon. He’s the Alpha’s son. He’s been away for the past few months, training with neighboring packs," she said. "Before he left, he came into the café every day. You’ll probably see him around soon enough." I didn’t want to see anyone—especially not an Alpha. I let the conversation drop and turned to stare out the window. The town was surrounded by dense forest, but the houses were built close together. After a few minutes, Raven pulled into the driveway of a small terraced house. It looked normal enough. The houses were near the forest, making it easy for wolves to shift and run freely. "We need to shift soon. It’s been too long," Aria murmured in my head. As I stepped out of the car, I suddenly felt like someone was watching me. "Aria, do you sense anyone?" I asked, keeping my back straight. "I don’t know, but I don’t like it here," she admitted. "Something feels… off." I agreed. There was something unsettling about this place. Raven must have felt it too because she glanced behind me, her expression unreadable. "Let’s get you inside. I need to head to the café to close up," she said, grabbing my arm and leading me toward the house. Once inside, I glanced around. The living room and kitchen were open-plan, and a staircase led upstairs. Raven hesitated before locking the front door. "Everything okay?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "Yeah… Let me show you to your room. You can shower and rest while I head to the café," she said quickly. She led me upstairs, showing me my room—which had its own bathroom. "I had this installed last week, knowing you’d be visiting. Now that you’re staying, it’ll be useful," she said with a smile. I nodded. The room was small but cozy—a far cry from sleeping on the ground or in trees. "I got everything you might need. If you need anything else, we can go shopping tomorrow. Also, do you want to work some shifts at the café?" she asked. "Yeah, sure," I said, just as my stomach growled. She chuckled. "I’ll make you some sandwiches. You should eat, then sleep." I yawned. "Thanks, Raven." As she left, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. I was too exhausted to dwell on it. Within minutes of my head hitting the pillow, sleep pulled me under. Chapter 4 Raven I can’t believe Sierra is back. I’ve missed her so much these past two years. She wanted to travel, and who could blame her? After everything she’s been through in the last decade, she deserved it. I knew the lavender and sage in her room would knock her and Aria out cold. I needed her to rest, but more than that, I needed her to be safe. He’s been outside, lurking in the shadows, watching her return home. I step outside and lock the door behind me. I know he’s still there, watching, waiting. He wants to see her. But she hates him—loathes him—for abandoning her and for what he did to her mother. As I walk down the driveway, I spot him standing to my right. “She looks just like Eden,” he murmurs. I shoot him a cold, hard glare. No matter that he’s Sierra’s father—what he did was unforgivable. I don’t like him either, not after everything he put my sister through. “You shouldn’t be here. She doesn’t want to see you,” I say flatly. “By the way, she met your son. He wanted to come to the party tonight, but she shut that down real quick.” My voice drips with venom. “I heard she takes after Eden—same fire in her spirit,” he says. I bare my teeth at him. “Stop saying my sister’s name. You lost the right to speak it a long time ago.” I push past him, my blood boiling. He looks wounded. “Raven, please… you know what happened,” he says, guilt thick in his voice. “I didn’t have a choice.” I whirl around, facing him head-on, my panther stirring beneath my skin, itching to tear him apart. “You have some goddamn nerve saying that. I wouldn't be surprised if Sierra knows more about what really happened than you think,” I snap. “And listen to me carefully—you need to stay away from her. She despises you. As for your so-called son, she doesn’t know him or that daughter of yours. So if I were you, I’d keep them far away from her.” He stares down at me, expression unreadable. “Raven, please... I just want to know my daughter.” I sneer, his name like poison on my tongue. “Kieran, back the hell off. I’m warning you. You, your mate, your children, and that old Alpha you chose over your own flesh and blood—stay the hell away from her. You have no idea what she’s been through.” I realize too late that I’ve said too much. His brow furrows. “What do you mean? What has she been through?” His shock is evident, though he quickly masks it. Shit. That’s not my story to tell. I turn on my heel and keep walking. The café is just around the corner from my place. “Raven, tell me, please,” he calls after me, still following. I push open the café door. It’s closing time—we’re shutting early for the ceremony. Eleanor stands behind the counter, a warm smile on her face when she sees me, but the moment she spots Kieran, her expression hardens. She hates him too. “Raven,” he says, stepping inside, “you can’t keep this from me. She’s my daughter.” I’ve had enough of this bastard. He hasn’t given a damn about Sierra for ten years. The only reason I’m even living here again is because I have to be. I spin around to face him, my patience gone. “Listen up, you worthless piece of shit. You were never in her life. I don’t owe you a damn thing. You never came back for her—not once—even after all the messages I sent you. You are not, and will never be, her father,” I hiss. “I had to raise her and Eleanor on my own, you jackass, with no help from you. You want to know Sierra? Then come here and talk to her yourself. Or better yet, wait until she actually wants to talk to you—which, let me tell you, will be never.” I can feel the shame radiating off him, but before I can lay into him further, the door swings open. His son, Dane, walks in with the new Alpha, Damon. Both of them take in the scene, Dane immediately sensing the tension. “Dad, what are you doing here?” he asks, glancing between me and Kieran. Kieran straightens, his jaw tightening. “Raven, what’s going on?” Damon asks, his tone authoritative. I roll my eyes. Stupid wolves. “She was just telling this asshole to get lost and never come back,” Eleanor chimes in, stepping up beside me. A low growl rumbles from Damon’s chest. “Show some respect, cat, or I’ll put you down myself,” he grits out. Eleanor lets out a soft growl of her own. “You may be the Alpha, and I may be part of this pack, but you don’t get to tell my mother what to do—especially when it doesn’t concern you,” she snaps. I don’t want her getting into trouble, but I hold Damon’s gaze. “I’m asking Kieran to leave. Now isn’t the time for this,” I say firmly. Kieran and Dane stand on opposite sides of Damon, but I have one last thing to say. “Here are the cakes for the ceremony. Take them and go,” I grind out. “And Alpha, if you ever speak to my daughter like that again, you’ll see exactly what a cat can do.” He stares at me, momentarily taken aback. I rarely let my anger spill over like this—and he knows it. He knew me before he left to train the packs. “Raven, I’m going to be the new Alpha soon. Please,” he says, as if that means a damn thing to me. I glance at Kieran and Dane. “Neither of you are welcome here when Sierra is around. You hear me?” My panther snarls, my fury barely contained. “I mean it. If you come in here and upset her, I’ll rip you apart myself.” “You can’t stop me from seeing my daughter,” Kieran says stubbornly. But before I can reply, the café door swings open again. The scent that fills the air makes my stomach drop. Kieran stiffens. Oh, hell. She’s pissed. Chapter 5 Raven "YEAH, SHE CAN," a voice snaps from behind him. I can tell she’s pissed. How the hell is she still standing after being awake for 24 hours? Kieran spins around, and his face goes pale when he sees the daughter he once knew. She’s no longer the little girl he left behind. Sierra glares at him, but before she can say anything, a low growl fills the room—"MATE." All of us turn to look at Damon. His eyes are locked onto Sierra. Oh, shit. This is not going to end well. Sierra meets his gaze briefly before striding towards Kieran and Dane, her face unreadable. “You need to back off,” she snarls. I can feel Aria trying to break through. The energy radiating from Sierra is overwhelming. Eleanor glances at her cousin and smirks. "Don't talk to—" Dane starts, but Sierra cuts him off with a guttural growl. Her eyes shift from their usual blue to a striking, glowing green. "You wouldn’t want to piss me off, brother." We all freeze, stunned. Eleanor and I have heard Aria and Sierra speak in unison before, but seeing it now is still something else. I glance at Damon, but he’s still fixated on Sierra—his mate. "What? You thought I wouldn't figure out who you are?" Sierra challenges Dane. "I recognized your scent at the station. You smell just like him." Then, she turns to Kieran. "And don’t think for a second that acting like the father I should have had is going to work. You abandoned me for ten years. So why the hell would I want you in my life now?" Kieran looks wounded. But what did he expect? I told him Sierra wanted nothing to do with him. She didn’t even know about Dane—let alone the sister she’s yet to meet. Sierra steps closer, eyes locked onto them both. Aria is close to the surface, her power amplified by Sierra’s rage. If we can feel it, I wonder if they can, too. "You’re going to listen, and you’re going to listen well," she says, voice deadly calm. "I don’t want anything to do with you or your new little family. You left me alone to survive for a decade, and guess what? I did just fine. If you ever come back, I’ll let my panther out. And trust me—she’s a hell of a lot less friendly than I am." She bares her teeth. "Now take whatever you came for and go." She strides between them and heads straight toward me. That’s when I realize—she’s still in her Minnie Mouse pajamas. She must have sensed him outside earlier. Damon hasn’t taken his eyes off her. Before anyone else can speak, Sierra turns to him. "Oh, and Alpha—I don’t want a mate." Damon lets out a deep growl. "You don’t mean that," he says, barely keeping himself and his wolf in check. Sierra shrugs. "Take it however you want. I’m only here for a few weeks, and then I’m gone." Damon stares at her, saying nothing, though the hurt in his eyes is obvious. I know why she doesn’t want a mate. There are memories—dark ones—she’d rather forget. She hates men in general, and honestly, I don’t blame her. The tension in the air is suffocating. After a long moment, I turn to Kieran and Dane. "I think you all should leave now," I say. "Oh, and don’t forget the cakes on your way out." Dane glances at me and offers a small, grateful smile, mouthing thank you. He looks like he wants to say more, but he doesn’t. Damon still hasn’t moved. He’s rooted in place, staring at Sierra. Dane finally pulls him toward the door, leading him outside to the waiting SUV. Kieran hesitates, looking like he wants to say something, but he just exhales sharply, grabs the boxes, and walks out. Eleanor holds the door open for him. Another SUV pulls up, and Kieran loads the boxes inside before climbing in. Within seconds, the vehicle disappears down the road. Dane lingers a moment longer, stepping back into the café for the last box. Sierra and I watch him from behind the counter. He stops at the door, glancing over his shoulder at us. "I know what our father did. I don’t condone it," he says. "But if possible, I’d like to get to know my older sister." Sierra lets out a low growl. Dane flinches slightly but keeps his gaze steady. "I’m sorry, Sierra," he murmurs before walking out. Eleanor shuts the door and turns back to us. "Well, cuz, I’m so glad you’re here," she teases with a smirk. Sierra walks up to her and smiles, pulling her into a hug. They both turn to look at me, but before either can speak— "How did you know?" I ask Sierra. She studies me for a second before answering. "I smelled his scent outside. It woke Aria up. But the rest? I’ve always known. I just never told you." She exhales sharply, her expression darkening. "I hate him even more now. He never came for me." The bitterness in her voice is unmistakable. I know she’s hurting. And I have no doubt that Kieran is a big reason why she refuses to accept her mate. "Well, let’s close up. You look like you should be in bed," I say with a chuckle. Sierra glances down at herself, and Eleanor notices too. They both start laughing. We move around the café, making sure everything is cleaned up—tables wiped down, chairs in their proper places, all the lights turned off. Sierra yawns. "You need rest," I tell her. She nods. "Let’s go home," she says before turning to Eleanor. "You coming? We could have one of our famous sleepovers." Eleanor grins but shakes her head. I know that’s not happening—Eleanor has a ceremony to attend with her mate. "I can’t, cuz. You need your beauty sleep," she teases. Sierra rolls her eyes, but Eleanor shoots me a knowing look. Don’t tell her about Caleb yet, Mom. I nod subtly. Eleanor only knows bits and pieces of why Sierra refuses to accept her mate, but she’s scared to tell her just yet. She has no idea how Sierra will react when she finds out. Sierra yawns again, making us laugh. "Come on, Sleeping Beauty. Time for bed," I say, leading her out of the café and toward home. Chapter 6 Damon I found my mate. But she wants nothing to do with me. I’m beyond pissed. Why doesn’t she want me? I glance at Kieran. His face is unreadable, but I know he’s hurting. He finally met his daughter, yet she rejected him outright. I don’t know the full story between them, but whatever it is, it’s bad. “I’m sorry, Damon,” he suddenly says, still staring ahead. When I turn to look at him, I notice a small, sad smile on his face. He doesn’t elaborate. “You okay, Kieran?” I ask, studying him. His expression remains blank, but I continue, “I just wanted to say sorry about what happened at the café.” He nods, and I can feel the guilt radiating off him. He’s deeply wounded. After a moment, he exhales heavily. “We need to see your father when we get back to the pack house,” he says. “But I have one request.” His voice is almost pleading. “Don’t tell him about Sierra being your mate just yet.” His words catch me off guard. Why wouldn’t he want me to tell my own father? Especially since my mate is his best friend’s daughter—well, his long-lost daughter. “Why, Kieran? He’d be happy that I found my mate,” I say, but the look on his face tells me there’s more to this than I understand. “He will be—once he knows she’s my daughter. But there are things you don’t know yet, and that’s why we need to talk to him first. We have to explain everything to you. It might help you understand why Sierra doesn’t want a mate,” he finally says. I stare at him, momentarily stunned, but I quickly regain my composure. “Alright, I won’t say anything. But Kieran… what happened to make her hate you so much?” I ask, immediately regretting it as soon as the words escape my mouth. His shame crashes over me like a tidal wave. “I hurt her mother in the worst way possible,” he confesses quietly. “And I never claimed her as my mate.” I’m speechless. “I’ll explain everything when we see your father,” he adds. I glance at the man who had trained me when my father was too busy. I grew close to his son, Dane, who’s now about to become my Beta, and his sister, Nova. They’ve been like siblings to me—we argue and fight just like real siblings do. Sierra would have made an impression on me if she’d been around. Even in those pajamas, she exuded a quiet strength. I couldn’t quite make out her figure, but I didn’t care. Those piercing blue eyes, the rich brown hair messily tied into a bun, and those soft pink lips—it all made me want her even more. When her panther stirred, her eyes glowed green, and I felt an immense power roll off her in waves. It was unnerving. There was more to her than I could see. Her emotions dictated the intensity of her energy, and at that moment, all I felt from her was pure rage. The car ride back to the pack house is quiet. It’s a long drive from town, and our driver is stuck behind another vehicle. Kieran stares out the window, lost in thought. I mind-link my father. “Hey, Dad, we’re on our way back with the cakes. There’s something you need to know. Sierra is back.” “Yeah, I heard,” my father replies gruffly. “Kieran went to see her. I take it that didn’t go well? I told him to give her a few days to settle in.” I sigh. “‘Didn’t go well’ is an understatement. She was furious. He wants the three of us to meet in your office to talk about it.” My father is silent for a beat before responding. “We need to talk. I think you should be there for all of this—you’ll be Alpha soon.” “Alright. We’ll be there in twenty minutes.” I stick to Kieran’s request and don’t mention to my father that Sierra is my mate. When we finally arrive at the pack house, we step out of the SUV. Caleb, my soon-to-be Gamma, is waiting nearby. I know why—his mate, Eleanor, nearly got herself ripped apart for disrespecting me. From the look on his face, he already knows. “Sorry about Eleanor, Alpha,” he says immediately. “She was just protecting her mother.” I nod. “I’ll apologize to her later.” He gives me a strange look. “You shouldn’t have to apologize. She’s still adjusting to our ways here. They lost their pack years ago and have been moving around ever since,” he explains, his gaze shifting past me to Kieran. “He shouldn’t have gone there,” he mutters. “I know most of what happened—Eleanor told me. It’s bad.” I stare at him, taken aback. “I’ll find out more when we talk to my father,” I say before shutting off the mind-link. Caleb nods and heads toward his house, where Eleanor is waiting. He probably misses her. Eleanor had mentioned wanting to tell Sierra something, but she wasn’t sure how her cousin would react—especially when it came to the subject of mates. There has to be a reason why she despises the idea of having one. A low growl rumbles in my head—my wolf, Cruz. “She’ll come around. We just need to take things slow with her.” I freeze. My wolf has been obsessed with finding our mate for years, but he’s never been this patient before. Normally, he’s possessive and restless. But now, he just wants what’s best for Sierra—even if that means taking our time. “What’s gotten into you? You’ve been quiet since you told me Sierra was our mate,” I ask him. Cruz is silent for a moment before sighing. “I’m being careful with her. Seeing her father after all these years made her angry. And her panther… she’s powerful. Her emotions fuel her strength, and I think her panther has her own feelings about this entire situation. We need to figure out what happened.” I nod. “You’re right, Cruz. Let’s find out exactly what we’re dealing with.” He chuckles before settling in the back of my mind, alert but waiting. Waiting to learn more about our mate.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t	Enjoyreading	https://www.facebook.com/61572725436723/	2	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tapread.reader	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480967851_536178018922003_9165054703715107990_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=R-mXRcQFH0AQ7kNvgESCqnU&_nc_oc=Adi38LXU92NdhMCr25aC50PJ4rRmTojlqQPFuRHRKYoNA14ERg7WqnFK7qgGoDDI90mgoqzqq1qnI6MyEeYJ_15M&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYAxrf14SRGnwrmAv-iGV9vPAOq7n8AhJrRyw_o8xjSPyg&oe=67C711F9	PERSON_PROFILE	Enjoyreading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,424	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707422}'	No	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	🔥"From Innocent to Untamed: Watch Her Transformation in 48 Hours.→ "	🔞😳She wants to be dominated, so she goes to a BDSM club for the first time. The three mafia doms she volunteers for turn out to be... One of them is her professor in school, One is her classmate,and one is her boss. Chapter 1 - Emily For the first time in my life, I was pushing myself out of my comfort zone. My heart was beating like crazy, both from excitement and nervousness. I was on my own, having told no one about this, and I didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing as I stared ahead of me. The door in front of me looked dark and ominous, but I knew exactly what was behind it—hot and delicious danger. My skin was clammy under the coat, the only outward sign of my nerves. I stood straight and proud, but on the inside, I was a wreck. I couldn't believe I was doing this. It wasn't too late to turn around; I hadn't entered yet. But I knew I wouldn't. This was something I had wanted to do for a long time. Having lived my whole life in a little town in Greenport, NY, I hadn't had the opportunity to do this until now. Well, that might not be entirely accurate. I moved to New York two years ago, as a transfer student, but it was only now that I had worked up the nerve to come here. Most of the time, I was a pussy. I could admit to that much. I had never been the go-getter, do-what-I-want, fuck-everyone's-opinion, and fuck-the-consequences kind of girl. The never-stand-out, calm-and-quiet, never-push-myself kind of girl? Yeah, that was definitely more me. Right now, though, I was saying "FUCK IT" in big block letters, and I was proud of it. The bouncers looked at me, no doubt wondering if I was going to go in or not. Probably time to move my ass along, I had been standing here for far too long. As I stepped forward, one of the men stopped me with his hand. "ID." I took out my student ID, making sure to give it to him with a steady hand. I didn't want them to find out how nervous I was. A minute later, he gave me the card back. "Did you follow the dress code?" he asked. "Yes, I did." It had been tough to decide what to wear, but at the last minute I found an outfit I'd gotten as a gag present from a friend. She probably didn't envision me using it for this purpose. "I need to confirm it," the bouncer said, nodding at my body covered in a long coat. Fuck, I wasn't prepared to let go of my cover so soon. With my shoulders poised, I unbuttoned my coat, slowly revealing the black lingerie underneath until it was all out in the open. The corset was tight, like a second skin, showcasing my hourglass figure with respectively large breasts and ass, and a smaller waist. A garter belt pulled the attention to my slightly big thighs. And the open toes stilettos made my legs look longer, more sensuous. The men were polite, only taking a quick look before turning to open the door for me. I didn't know if I was disappointed or not when I walked away from them. Wasn't I pretty enough for a second look? But then again, I was sure they were used to seeing girls' bodies and it was a part of their job not to freak out both current and possible members. It felt forbidden to cross the threshold into the club, as if I was entering an entire new world, and in a sense, I was. I could hear the slow beat of music—seductive and provocative—over the murmur of people talking. My heart was beating a mile a minute, but still, I didn't let it show. I am a confident, sexy woman who takes control over my desires. If I told myself that enough times, maybe I would begin to believe it. Since I first started my sexual awakening, I had been timid and unsure, and definitely not confident. More like an awkward girl who didn't know what to do. With zero boyfriends, and only drunk hookups, I struggled with being comfortable to let go enough to enjoy myself. Now was my time to seek out what I found thrilling, and something I had fantasized about from the time I knew I wanted something more than vanilla sex. Which was why I now found myself at a BDSM dungeon. Even with the tension, I still felt tingles of excitement. My curiosity overruled any nervousness I might have had. "Welcome to Desire's Den," a gorgeous brunette with a tall, slim figure said from behind a desk just by the entrance. "Hi, I heard you had an open house today?" I asked, mentally cursing my shaky voice. She looked me up and down, and judgment was clear in her eyes. "Yeah, we do. I'll take that jacket from you and show you to one of the hosts for tonight. He or she will show you around and answer any questions you might have. Oh, and I'll need your phone as well. We value our members privacy, and don't accept photos or videos being taken. This is just a safety precaution." I let go of my safety cover reluctantly, suddenly feeling naked standing in only underwear and heels. Goosebumps appeared along my body from the abrupt chill. I had an urge to put my hands over my breasts, even though I wasn't actually showing anything, and needed to physically force my hands to stay by my sides. The woman turned towards me as soon as she finished hanging up my coat. "Okay then, follow me." She led me down the stairs and through a corridor. The music grew louder with each step I took, and with it, my heart raced even faster. I was really doing this, I thought as I followed the brunette beauty. I couldn't believe it, it felt like a dream. My heels clicked to the rhythm of my steps; it was the only sound I made. The corridor wasn't that long, and it was sparse of any furniture, although it did have some intriguing photos on the wall. At the end of the hall was another door, this one made of the same dark oak as the one to the entrance. As the woman knocked once, twice, thrice, I had to lock my knees to keep them from shaking. This Is it, the first time I would see with my own eyes a real dungeon. Chapter 2 - Emily Someone opened the door from the other side, and with a few extra steps, I was inside. Following the receptionist, or whatever she was—welcoming committee?—further in, we walked towards another woman standing off to the side, talking to a man. This woman was older, with leather everything. Thigh high boots, in leather. A body suit, in leather. Gloves, in what also looked like leather. "Mistress Claire, I have a new one. Would you show her around and inform her on how we do it here?" The brunette spoke with respect, but as she turned to look at me, her eyes once again showed signs of judgment. Why? What could possibly judge me off? It couldn't be because I was considering joining, not with her working here. That would've been double standard. "Of course, Jennifer. I'll take good care of her." Claire, or Mistress Claire, looked at me with warmth, the complete opposite Jennifer had. It immediately put me at ease, or at least, a little. Jennifer gave Claire a nod before moving back to the door, and out of sight. "Hello dear, what's your name?" Claire asked, the man I had seen her talking to was long gone. "Emily, Mistress?" I didn't mean for it to sound like a question, but I was unsure as to how to refer to her as. "Mistress is completely fine," She chuckled. "Is it your first time at a BDSM club?" "Yes, I'd always wanted to try, but I've been gathering up the courage," I admitted as I looked around, taking in all I could see from here—not wanting to miss a single thing. "Completely understandable to be nervous your first time, everyone is. It can be a frightening thing to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Some come with their friends or partner, which helps them explore while also having someone to 'hold their hand' so to speak." She started walking, and I went with her. "I don't... I'm not really open about my sexual desires with my friends, and I don't have a partner." The den was dimly lit with a reddish glow, I could still see everything clearly, but it made the setting more... sensual, as if it offered a sense of privacy in the midst of a crowd. I could hear Claire speak, without the music drowning out her voice. As I took in the view, I couldn't help but feel giddy. The nervousness was temporarily forgotten. We went by someone in the middle of a play, with people standing around to watch. A man hung from a cross, like many I had read about, while a woman circled him with a whip. I could hear the smack as she hit him, and his groans of either pleasure or pain, but probably both. He was completely naked, and from where I stood, I could see red marks on different parts of him. His dick was hard and leaking of precum. "It's called a scene. Those are two of our frequent members, they love the cross. As you can see by the marks on him, there's places she won't hit. Kidneys, among other things, because it can bruise them. You never want to have a dom who doesn't know his stuff, or he or she could cause you serious hurt." I must have stopped walking, because she had to backtrack a little as she explained what was going on. I tried not to stare at the scene in front of me, but I couldn't help but look. It was pornographic, and interesting to see. I couldn't help but feel aroused at the show they were putting on for the silent watchers. "I forgot to ask, are you a dom or a sub, or maybe a sex slave?" Claire asked as I motioned for us to continue our walk. "Definitely not a sex slave," I gasped, unprepared for the mention of being a slave. "I'm a sub, at least, that's what attracted me when it comes to BDSM. I want someone to take control of me in bed. Only in bed." My eyes scanned the room, wanting to see everything at once. Claire chuckled as she led me to another section. This one had a woman on a pedestal, her hands and feet hogtied, with the rope attached to the ceiling. She was completely naked, except for a blindfold over her eyes. It was weird to see another woman in the nude in real life, but not as weird as I thought it would be. I couldn't help but envision myself in her position, tied up and helpless while the man could do whatever he wanted to me. I could feel slick wetness seeping from my pussy, soaking my panties as I continued watching. The scene was the most erotic thing I'd ever seen, not even my favorite porn could measure to seeing the real thing. I was jealous as the dom by her side used a feather to stroke her inner thighs. Her stomach clenched from the sensations. Fuck. I wanted to feel what she felt, to do what she did. I wanted to be her. This was why I was here, to experience it for myself. And I hoped I didn't have to wait long until I could participate in this kind of delicious kink. "There's nothing wrong with being a sex slave, but it's not for everyone. I wouldn't advise anyone new to the community to try it out right away. Start with something less... intense. Ease yourself into it." She nodded towards the scene in front of us. "New beginners might see this as something easy to start with, but it isn't always so. It takes a lot to let someone tie you up and place a blindfold on you. You have to trust your dom and know he or she would do what you could handle and nothing more. It can take a while to build up that trust. Right now, he's teasing her senses. A stroke of a feather can be felt more clearly when your sight is taken away. The same can be said for taste. You don't know what to expect, so your body is more attuned to that feeling or taste," She explained. I could understand what she meant, and I found the thought thrilling; I wanted to try that out. God, there were so many things I wanted to try out. I couldn't wait to start. "Whenever You're ready, I'll show you where we have the bar. I remember how exciting it was the first few times I watched scenes, so we didn't have to hurry." see that she meant it and would happily let me watch a while longer, butI didn't mind going. I could always come back if I wanted to see some more, andI had a feeling I would come back. I wanted to see more. More of everything ———————— Due to the word limit of the webpage, I won’t go into details here. Please click the entrance below to read the next chapter online without downloading the text.🧐	LEARN_MORE	https://ad.thnovel.com/wap-ad/pages/20241125174410	Picknovel-LI	https://www.facebook.com/61572450152389/	51	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	ad.thnovel.com	VIDEO		https://ad.thnovel.com/wap-ad/pages/2024112517441095393?pid=metaweb_int&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&codeid=2024112517441095393&utm_medium={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480874509_1350566909617937_1796435163903042426_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GRsN07DRMIMQ7kNvgGVYx8o&_nc_oc=AdjWYRYLSvLwcdR_N7Mloyl-TBXGNijLIHJesy8CxegdAtH_9J_4vlozisRQ9GUwtojBuGZpXNmtWXmsYtFg0Myv&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYBFD--jnV2aUM8dHqLnuRSWcJmLJyj4_y-vbFAMqIuFtw&oe=67C73B42	PERSON_PROFILE	Picknovel-LI	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,426	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707409}'	No	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Stop paying for reading 👉	📣📣Everyone is the circle gasped as they looked at me expectantly. I noticed people at the back of the room stopped what they're doing and looked our way with curious expressions. It felt like everyone was holding their breath for my response. I don't know what response they were expecting, but I'm sure they didn't expect what I said next. "Who?" That's when everyone burst into chaos. Everyone started talking over each other, standing up and displaying exaggerated reactions. What I heard among the chaos was, "How do you not know who Irene is?", "Do you live under rock?", "My girl said 'who?'!", "That's the spirit!" I glanced at Jay in confusion, who also wore a confused expression. He then shrugged and carried on sipping his drink. Good idea, let's just sip on our coke until everyone calms down. To my surprise, it took less time then I estimated for everyone to settle down. Daniel was the first to speak again. "So do you really not know who Irene is or were you just saying it to show you don't consider her a rival?" Everyone quiets down as they waited for my reply. I shrugged and took a sip of my drink, unintentionally increasing everyone's anticipation. Realising that they needed a verbal answer, I replied with, "I don't know who Irene is." I heard a few gasps and people letting out a sharp breaths. Who is Irene to have so many people displaying big reactions about her? My curiosity peaked after evaluating people's expressions; it's seems to me that I am out of the loop of something big. Which I'm not too surprised about; I'm usually oblivious to gossip and what's being talked about recently. I'm always the last to know about things. "Da mn, you must live under a rock." The nice girl said, climbing off her mate and situated herself in front of me. "Okay, so is anyone going to explain who Irene is or what?" I asked, hanging the question in the air. "I gladly will." The nice girl responded with a wink. "My name is Hana, if you were wondering." She carried on before I could say anything. "Since you became the first female warrior in the US, there has been many other female wolves who have been following your footsteps. Just recently, I would say about couple months ago, a female wolf called Irene has been winning every match she has been in." Isn't that a good thing? Another female wolf who's dominating her matches, that's amazing! I not only travel to other packs for matches, but to also empower the females there and show their worth in fighting. "What pack is she from?" I asked. Silence. "Well?" I prodded, wondering why no one was answering. "The BlackShadowed Pack." Daniel whispered, looking at me expectantly. Oh. So she's from that pack? I've never set foot on their territory, nor do I plan on doing so. I've heard bad and dark rumours surrounding that pack. The former Alpha was nicknamed the 'Mad Alpha' because of his crazy, shady and dirty ways of doing pack business. I guess it worked for him since they are the most powerful pack in the United States. It's been two years since the 'Mad Alpha' died, yet the pack seems to operate the same way. I heard that the current Alpha, although quite young, is just as bad as his father. "Moving on, so Irene has been challenging the best fighters in every pack. Including you." Hana carried on, plopping her head on her hand. "She's won all the matches so far." So Irene wants to go against me? It sounds like she'll actually be some competition which, I can't lie, sounds exciting. Although, that doesn't mean I can accept the challenge; I have to think of this pack's reputation. We cant afford to associate with that pack, not when we're known to have a clean record. The Imperial Pride Pack is second to The BlackShadowed Pack when it comes to power, territorial land and influence. The biggest difference between us is how we manage the pack and the money. "That's not all, Elisia." Hana said, catching my attention again. "She's been running her mouth for months now, saying that she is 'better than you' in every way. Since you have not replied to her request to fight, she's been calling you a 'coward' and 'poser'. She's known for brutally finishing her opponent at the end of a fight, leaving them almost dead and calls herself 'The White devil.' It's been causing so much drama and gossip in all the packs lately, that's why we assumed you knew." Oh. Well, da mn. How do I respond to that? "Wow." I said in a monotone voice. However, inside I was boiling. This Irene girl doesn't even know me, and has the nerve to judge me like that. I had no idea who she was and that she has requested to fight me, until now. Usually Magnus organises these events for me as well as notifies me on who requested to fight me. Why didn't he tell me about her? Is it because of the pack she belongs to? Not to mention, she apparently leaves them 'almost dead' at the end of a match? Honestly any strong fighter can do that, but where is the respect in that? A sparring match is about testing your physical and mental ability to fight, not about trying to kill each other. That is only reserved for the battlefield. "So? Do you consider her a rival?" Daniel asked. "She's causing quite a stir in the community. The last female who caused this much stir was you." "Will you accept the challenge and fight?" Someone else in the circle shouted. I stayed silent, not wanting to say the wrong thing. If I showed any signs of accepting the match request, then they all may share that 'I accepted the challenge' on social media. Magnus must've not told me for a reason, so I'll need to find out why before I make a decision. "We will review the conditions of the request before making any decisions, so please refrain yourselves from asking if she'll accept." Jayden spoke up, walking over to us. I sent him a grateful smile, he always knows when to come in. I stood up, stretching my numb legs from sitting in the same position for too long. Did they really think Irene could beat me in a fighting match? They way they were describing her made it seem like they think she can rival me. Can she? There is no way of knowing until I see her fight, I wonder if there is a video about. Couple hours later ~ Almost everyone was gone, just a few people stayed behind to help us clean up the mess. It was just me, Jay, Hana and her mate, who I now know is called Michael. Thankfully, all we had to clean the first floor of the house since the upstairs was off limits during the party. A downstairs toilet is useful for occasions like this or people would have the opportunity to snoop in our rooms and personal stuff. Kaitlyn and Magnus walked down the stairs, making an appearance. There were times where I'd look at them and realise how different they look from me. Obviously we weren't related in any way, but when I was younger it actually bothered me. I looked so out of place, making it more obvious that I didn't really belong with them. Jay inherited their curly golden blond hair. He got his green eyes from his mother whereas Magnus had brown eyes. You could say I look the complete opposite from them. I have waist length chestnut brown wavy hair. I was born with stormy grey eyes, which are framed by my thick dark curly eyelashes. I have this natural flush on my cheeks which gives people the impression I'm cute...before they find out who I am. I have this tendency of biting my lips when I'm concentrating thus making them look almost red, a habit that Kaitlyn has tried to uninstall for years.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h	Reading Stories	https://www.facebook.com/refkkaaaiww24/	775	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happy.topnovels	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480995324_2051396255329099_8266245333654780189_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PYaV8amDC4QQ7kNvgHErhV_&_nc_oc=AdgM-LG29lfAuXtyPWU25HwVMRnaoJZvS2WFwtssfW7lddIyX1YaxLDLV4pK1n6XZeUinR4Mc75LiWmVShAdHwfp&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYAjh75SCHNlhGJCwP5zBZzqcINBBWOl-a4cY-fds2zaXw&oe=67C71E5D	PERSON_PROFILE	Reading Stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,431	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707409}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Stop paying for reading 👉	📣📣Everyone is the circle gasped as they looked at me expectantly. I noticed people at the back of the room stopped what they're doing and looked our way with curious expressions. It felt like everyone was holding their breath for my response. I don't know what response they were expecting, but I'm sure they didn't expect what I said next. "Who?" That's when everyone burst into chaos. Everyone started talking over each other, standing up and displaying exaggerated reactions. What I heard among the chaos was, "How do you not know who Irene is?", "Do you live under rock?", "My girl said 'who?'!", "That's the spirit!" I glanced at Jay in confusion, who also wore a confused expression. He then shrugged and carried on sipping his drink. Good idea, let's just sip on our coke until everyone calms down. To my surprise, it took less time then I estimated for everyone to settle down. Daniel was the first to speak again. "So do you really not know who Irene is or were you just saying it to show you don't consider her a rival?" Everyone quiets down as they waited for my reply. I shrugged and took a sip of my drink, unintentionally increasing everyone's anticipation. Realising that they needed a verbal answer, I replied with, "I don't know who Irene is." I heard a few gasps and people letting out a sharp breaths. Who is Irene to have so many people displaying big reactions about her? My curiosity peaked after evaluating people's expressions; it's seems to me that I am out of the loop of something big. Which I'm not too surprised about; I'm usually oblivious to gossip and what's being talked about recently. I'm always the last to know about things. "Da mn, you must live under a rock." The nice girl said, climbing off her mate and situated herself in front of me. "Okay, so is anyone going to explain who Irene is or what?" I asked, hanging the question in the air. "I gladly will." The nice girl responded with a wink. "My name is Hana, if you were wondering." She carried on before I could say anything. "Since you became the first female warrior in the US, there has been many other female wolves who have been following your footsteps. Just recently, I would say about couple months ago, a female wolf called Irene has been winning every match she has been in." Isn't that a good thing? Another female wolf who's dominating her matches, that's amazing! I not only travel to other packs for matches, but to also empower the females there and show their worth in fighting. "What pack is she from?" I asked. Silence. "Well?" I prodded, wondering why no one was answering. "The BlackShadowed Pack." Daniel whispered, looking at me expectantly. Oh. So she's from that pack? I've never set foot on their territory, nor do I plan on doing so. I've heard bad and dark rumours surrounding that pack. The former Alpha was nicknamed the 'Mad Alpha' because of his crazy, shady and dirty ways of doing pack business. I guess it worked for him since they are the most powerful pack in the United States. It's been two years since the 'Mad Alpha' died, yet the pack seems to operate the same way. I heard that the current Alpha, although quite young, is just as bad as his father. "Moving on, so Irene has been challenging the best fighters in every pack. Including you." Hana carried on, plopping her head on her hand. "She's won all the matches so far." So Irene wants to go against me? It sounds like she'll actually be some competition which, I can't lie, sounds exciting. Although, that doesn't mean I can accept the challenge; I have to think of this pack's reputation. We cant afford to associate with that pack, not when we're known to have a clean record. The Imperial Pride Pack is second to The BlackShadowed Pack when it comes to power, territorial land and influence. The biggest difference between us is how we manage the pack and the money. "That's not all, Elisia." Hana said, catching my attention again. "She's been running her mouth for months now, saying that she is 'better than you' in every way. Since you have not replied to her request to fight, she's been calling you a 'coward' and 'poser'. She's known for brutally finishing her opponent at the end of a fight, leaving them almost dead and calls herself 'The White devil.' It's been causing so much drama and gossip in all the packs lately, that's why we assumed you knew." Oh. Well, da mn. How do I respond to that? "Wow." I said in a monotone voice. However, inside I was boiling. This Irene girl doesn't even know me, and has the nerve to judge me like that. I had no idea who she was and that she has requested to fight me, until now. Usually Magnus organises these events for me as well as notifies me on who requested to fight me. Why didn't he tell me about her? Is it because of the pack she belongs to? Not to mention, she apparently leaves them 'almost dead' at the end of a match? Honestly any strong fighter can do that, but where is the respect in that? A sparring match is about testing your physical and mental ability to fight, not about trying to kill each other. That is only reserved for the battlefield. "So? Do you consider her a rival?" Daniel asked. "She's causing quite a stir in the community. The last female who caused this much stir was you." "Will you accept the challenge and fight?" Someone else in the circle shouted. I stayed silent, not wanting to say the wrong thing. If I showed any signs of accepting the match request, then they all may share that 'I accepted the challenge' on social media. Magnus must've not told me for a reason, so I'll need to find out why before I make a decision. "We will review the conditions of the request before making any decisions, so please refrain yourselves from asking if she'll accept." Jayden spoke up, walking over to us. I sent him a grateful smile, he always knows when to come in. I stood up, stretching my numb legs from sitting in the same position for too long. Did they really think Irene could beat me in a fighting match? They way they were describing her made it seem like they think she can rival me. Can she? There is no way of knowing until I see her fight, I wonder if there is a video about. Couple hours later ~ Almost everyone was gone, just a few people stayed behind to help us clean up the mess. It was just me, Jay, Hana and her mate, who I now know is called Michael. Thankfully, all we had to clean the first floor of the house since the upstairs was off limits during the party. A downstairs toilet is useful for occasions like this or people would have the opportunity to snoop in our rooms and personal stuff. Kaitlyn and Magnus walked down the stairs, making an appearance. There were times where I'd look at them and realise how different they look from me. Obviously we weren't related in any way, but when I was younger it actually bothered me. I looked so out of place, making it more obvious that I didn't really belong with them. Jay inherited their curly golden blond hair. He got his green eyes from his mother whereas Magnus had brown eyes. You could say I look the complete opposite from them. I have waist length chestnut brown wavy hair. I was born with stormy grey eyes, which are framed by my thick dark curly eyelashes. I have this natural flush on my cheeks which gives people the impression I'm cute...before they find out who I am. I have this tendency of biting my lips when I'm concentrating thus making them look almost red, a habit that Kaitlyn has tried to uninstall for years.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h	Reading Stories	https://www.facebook.com/refkkaaaiww24/	775	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happy.topnovels	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481004819_3206536702817688_5013817597002050197_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KQhesRj2EWMQ7kNvgGfp_wF&_nc_oc=Adh88uqLWuHMSvpUd_u8nFihDAv1WVaMH6m8X3rGBYspWLzy0qcqoipPLcYY9F2C9ysYPfXi3n8GWuL0s8odCHH-&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYBqLmuY5Uv2ehLc67HZzgJA9vvSBGUn0cjgltDh_IYdQg&oe=67C72279	PERSON_PROFILE	Reading Stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,430	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707409}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Stop paying for reading 👉	📣📣Everyone is the circle gasped as they looked at me expectantly. I noticed people at the back of the room stopped what they're doing and looked our way with curious expressions. It felt like everyone was holding their breath for my response. I don't know what response they were expecting, but I'm sure they didn't expect what I said next. "Who?" That's when everyone burst into chaos. Everyone started talking over each other, standing up and displaying exaggerated reactions. What I heard among the chaos was, "How do you not know who Irene is?", "Do you live under rock?", "My girl said 'who?'!", "That's the spirit!" I glanced at Jay in confusion, who also wore a confused expression. He then shrugged and carried on sipping his drink. Good idea, let's just sip on our coke until everyone calms down. To my surprise, it took less time then I estimated for everyone to settle down. Daniel was the first to speak again. "So do you really not know who Irene is or were you just saying it to show you don't consider her a rival?" Everyone quiets down as they waited for my reply. I shrugged and took a sip of my drink, unintentionally increasing everyone's anticipation. Realising that they needed a verbal answer, I replied with, "I don't know who Irene is." I heard a few gasps and people letting out a sharp breaths. Who is Irene to have so many people displaying big reactions about her? My curiosity peaked after evaluating people's expressions; it's seems to me that I am out of the loop of something big. Which I'm not too surprised about; I'm usually oblivious to gossip and what's being talked about recently. I'm always the last to know about things. "Da mn, you must live under a rock." The nice girl said, climbing off her mate and situated herself in front of me. "Okay, so is anyone going to explain who Irene is or what?" I asked, hanging the question in the air. "I gladly will." The nice girl responded with a wink. "My name is Hana, if you were wondering." She carried on before I could say anything. "Since you became the first female warrior in the US, there has been many other female wolves who have been following your footsteps. Just recently, I would say about couple months ago, a female wolf called Irene has been winning every match she has been in." Isn't that a good thing? Another female wolf who's dominating her matches, that's amazing! I not only travel to other packs for matches, but to also empower the females there and show their worth in fighting. "What pack is she from?" I asked. Silence. "Well?" I prodded, wondering why no one was answering. "The BlackShadowed Pack." Daniel whispered, looking at me expectantly. Oh. So she's from that pack? I've never set foot on their territory, nor do I plan on doing so. I've heard bad and dark rumours surrounding that pack. The former Alpha was nicknamed the 'Mad Alpha' because of his crazy, shady and dirty ways of doing pack business. I guess it worked for him since they are the most powerful pack in the United States. It's been two years since the 'Mad Alpha' died, yet the pack seems to operate the same way. I heard that the current Alpha, although quite young, is just as bad as his father. "Moving on, so Irene has been challenging the best fighters in every pack. Including you." Hana carried on, plopping her head on her hand. "She's won all the matches so far." So Irene wants to go against me? It sounds like she'll actually be some competition which, I can't lie, sounds exciting. Although, that doesn't mean I can accept the challenge; I have to think of this pack's reputation. We cant afford to associate with that pack, not when we're known to have a clean record. The Imperial Pride Pack is second to The BlackShadowed Pack when it comes to power, territorial land and influence. The biggest difference between us is how we manage the pack and the money. "That's not all, Elisia." Hana said, catching my attention again. "She's been running her mouth for months now, saying that she is 'better than you' in every way. Since you have not replied to her request to fight, she's been calling you a 'coward' and 'poser'. She's known for brutally finishing her opponent at the end of a fight, leaving them almost dead and calls herself 'The White devil.' It's been causing so much drama and gossip in all the packs lately, that's why we assumed you knew." Oh. Well, da mn. How do I respond to that? "Wow." I said in a monotone voice. However, inside I was boiling. This Irene girl doesn't even know me, and has the nerve to judge me like that. I had no idea who she was and that she has requested to fight me, until now. Usually Magnus organises these events for me as well as notifies me on who requested to fight me. Why didn't he tell me about her? Is it because of the pack she belongs to? Not to mention, she apparently leaves them 'almost dead' at the end of a match? Honestly any strong fighter can do that, but where is the respect in that? A sparring match is about testing your physical and mental ability to fight, not about trying to kill each other. That is only reserved for the battlefield. "So? Do you consider her a rival?" Daniel asked. "She's causing quite a stir in the community. The last female who caused this much stir was you." "Will you accept the challenge and fight?" Someone else in the circle shouted. I stayed silent, not wanting to say the wrong thing. If I showed any signs of accepting the match request, then they all may share that 'I accepted the challenge' on social media. Magnus must've not told me for a reason, so I'll need to find out why before I make a decision. "We will review the conditions of the request before making any decisions, so please refrain yourselves from asking if she'll accept." Jayden spoke up, walking over to us. I sent him a grateful smile, he always knows when to come in. I stood up, stretching my numb legs from sitting in the same position for too long. Did they really think Irene could beat me in a fighting match? They way they were describing her made it seem like they think she can rival me. Can she? There is no way of knowing until I see her fight, I wonder if there is a video about. Couple hours later ~ Almost everyone was gone, just a few people stayed behind to help us clean up the mess. It was just me, Jay, Hana and her mate, who I now know is called Michael. Thankfully, all we had to clean the first floor of the house since the upstairs was off limits during the party. A downstairs toilet is useful for occasions like this or people would have the opportunity to snoop in our rooms and personal stuff. Kaitlyn and Magnus walked down the stairs, making an appearance. There were times where I'd look at them and realise how different they look from me. Obviously we weren't related in any way, but when I was younger it actually bothered me. I looked so out of place, making it more obvious that I didn't really belong with them. Jay inherited their curly golden blond hair. He got his green eyes from his mother whereas Magnus had brown eyes. You could say I look the complete opposite from them. I have waist length chestnut brown wavy hair. I was born with stormy grey eyes, which are framed by my thick dark curly eyelashes. I have this natural flush on my cheeks which gives people the impression I'm cute...before they find out who I am. I have this tendency of biting my lips when I'm concentrating thus making them look almost red, a habit that Kaitlyn has tried to uninstall for years.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h	Reading Stories	https://www.facebook.com/refkkaaaiww24/	775	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happy.topnovels	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480992782_1003584704985698_810263827934660975_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PPo510RRvc8Q7kNvgHGkFNl&_nc_oc=Adg8iwagz_CYSMOrubEoHSNTciyXG7krd-4mC4NKXyBQHrX9xZb__9YzBYuPKIFIvD7XhCHvI58gYG0dhbR3nkpW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYCk0sR3kR3f1ytpBG4mra-2Re_jmX7c6ZLPfPa_7vrwng&oe=67C7436A	PERSON_PROFILE	Reading Stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,435	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707434}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	❤️Click to read more exciting content❤️	Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."s ------------------- There are limited chapters to put here, click “learn more” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)	LEARN_MORE	https://fqwebsite.novellairs.com/share/middle/liha	Novellair-The Reading Room	https://www.facebook.com/61558704884181/	496	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fqwebsite.novellairs.com	VIDEO		https://fqwebsite.novellairs.com/share/middle/lihah1uelrk1smn2nzg3ikoc?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480744927_972476491157168_8651165032968535424_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6JNWM6V-dWsQ7kNvgEEdRhD&_nc_oc=Adi7GITCFVzMaxBXRuNmMqMrp5XQjWu4xvn4mwnzYRca5v8PnL56Mt8kK7HTOQkqwB8PGsLle2i4833hWcet4yVR&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=An1a0VAwW_Q6qHZz1Xgg63V&oh=00_AYAClLJ_Ls12Xy-5O2kKGBdL7QSwdATyY8iJmRbvvXHuIA&oe=67C71CEF	PERSON_PROFILE	Novellair-The Reading Room	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,432	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707409}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	Stop paying for reading 👉	📣📣Everyone is the circle gasped as they looked at me expectantly. I noticed people at the back of the room stopped what they're doing and looked our way with curious expressions. It felt like everyone was holding their breath for my response. I don't know what response they were expecting, but I'm sure they didn't expect what I said next. "Who?" That's when everyone burst into chaos. Everyone started talking over each other, standing up and displaying exaggerated reactions. What I heard among the chaos was, "How do you not know who Irene is?", "Do you live under rock?", "My girl said 'who?'!", "That's the spirit!" I glanced at Jay in confusion, who also wore a confused expression. He then shrugged and carried on sipping his drink. Good idea, let's just sip on our coke until everyone calms down. To my surprise, it took less time then I estimated for everyone to settle down. Daniel was the first to speak again. "So do you really not know who Irene is or were you just saying it to show you don't consider her a rival?" Everyone quiets down as they waited for my reply. I shrugged and took a sip of my drink, unintentionally increasing everyone's anticipation. Realising that they needed a verbal answer, I replied with, "I don't know who Irene is." I heard a few gasps and people letting out a sharp breaths. Who is Irene to have so many people displaying big reactions about her ? My curiosity peaked after evaluating people's expressions; it's seems to me that I am out of the loop of something big. Which I'm not too surprised about; I'm usually oblivious to gossip and what's being talked about recently. I'm always the last to know about things. "Da mn, you must live under a rock." The nice girl said, climbing off her mate and situated herself in front of me. "Okay, so is anyone going to explain who Irene is or what?" I asked, hanging the question in the air. "I gladly will." The nice girl responded with a wink. "My name is Hana, if you were wondering." She carried on before I could say anything. "Since you became the first female warrior in the US, there has been many other female wolves who have been following your footsteps. Just recently, I would say about couple months ago, a female wolf called Irene has been winning every match she has been in." Isn't that a good thing? Another female wolf who's dominating her matches, that's amazing! I not only travel to other packs for matches, but to also empower the females there and show their worth in fighting. "What pack is she from?" I asked. Silence. "Well?" I prodded, wondering why no one was answering. "The BlackShadowed Pack." Daniel whispered, looking at me expectantly. Oh. So she's from that pack? I've never set foot on their territory, nor do I plan on doing so. I've heard bad and dark rumours surrounding that pack. The former Alpha was nicknamed the 'Mad Alpha' because of his crazy, shady and dirty ways of doing pack business. I guess it worked for him since they are the most powerful pack in the United States. It's been two years since the 'Mad Alpha' died, yet the pack seems to operate the same way. I heard that the current Alpha, although quite young, is just as bad as his father. "Moving on, so Irene has been challenging the best fighters in every pack. Including you." Hana carried on, plopping her head on her hand. "She's won all the matches so far." So Irene wants to go against me? It sounds like she'll actually be some competition which, I can't lie, sounds exciting. Although, that doesn't mean I can accept the challenge; I have to think of this pack's reputation. We cant afford to associate with that pack, not when we're known to have a clean record. The Imperial Pride Pack is second to The BlackShadowed Pack when it comes to power, territorial land and influence. The biggest difference between us is how we manage the pack and the money. "That's not all, Elisia." Hana said, catching my attention again. "She's been running her mouth for months now, saying that she is 'better than you' in every way. Since you have not replied to her request to fight, she's been calling you a 'coward' and 'poser'. She's known for brutally finishing her opponent at the end of a fight, leaving them almost dead and calls herself 'The White devil.' It's been causing so much drama and gossip in all the packs lately, that's why we assumed you knew." Oh. Well, da mn. How do I respond to that? "Wow." I said in a monotone voice. However, inside I was boiling. This Irene girl doesn't even know me, and has the nerve to judge me like that. I had no idea who she was and that she has requested to fight me, until now. Usually Magnus organises these events for me as well as notifies me on who requested to fight me. Why didn't he tell me about her? Is it because of the pack she belongs to? Not to mention, she apparently leaves them 'almost dead' at the end of a match? Honestly any strong fighter can do that, but where is the respect in that? A sparring match is about testing your physical and mental ability to fight, not about trying to kill each other. That is only reserved for the battlefield. "So? Do you consider her a rival?" Daniel asked. "She's causing quite a stir in the community. The last female who caused this much stir was you." "Will you accept the challenge and fight?" Someone else in the circle shouted. I stayed silent, not wanting to say the wrong thing. If I showed any signs of accepting the match request, then they all may share that 'I accepted the challenge' on social media. Magnus must've not told me for a reason, so I'll need to find out why before I make a decision. "We will review the conditions of the request before making any decisions, so please refrain yourselves from asking if she'll accept." Jayden spoke up, walking over to us. I sent him a grateful smile, he always knows when to come in. I stood up, stretching my numb legs from sitting in the same position for too long. Did they really think Irene could beat me in a fighting match? They way they were describing her made it seem like they think she can rival me. Can she? There is no way of knowing until I see her fight, I wonder if there is a video about. Couple hours later ~ Almost everyone was gone, just a few people stayed behind to help us clean up the mess. It was just me, Jay, Hana and her mate, who I now know is called Michael. Thankfully, all we had to clean the first floor of the house since the upstairs was off limits during the party. A downstairs toilet is useful for occasions like this or people would have the opportunity to snoop in our rooms and personal stuff. Kaitlyn and Magnus walked down the stairs, making an appearance. There were times where I'd look at them and realise how different they look from me. Obviously we weren't related in any way, but when I was younger it actually bothered me. I looked so out of place, making it more obvious that I didn't really belong with them. Jay inherited their curly golden blond hair. He got his green eyes from his mother whereas Magnus had brown eyes. You could say I look the complete opposite from them. I have waist length chestnut brown wavy hair. I was born with stormy grey eyes, which are framed by my thick dark curly eyelashes. I have this natural flush on my cheeks which gives people the impression I'm cute...before they find out who I am. I have this tendency of biting my lips when I'm concentrating thus making them look almost red, a habit that Kaitlyn has tried to uninstall for years.	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.h	Reading Stories	https://www.facebook.com/refkkaaaiww24/	775	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	VIDEO		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.happy.topnovels	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/482075055_1174766604181943_6221343825566679034_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=sqb56xMJSYgQ7kNvgH1Xh-D&_nc_oc=AdiJ3xOa9MouQ4QNfyxAW9a579lcz9NXd29LCMsXUiAHCwmQ6Re1Qia6GvqUy7rEgfsbyxtfY74F3BO0V6fGbgRW&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxAVeQEtsFbS2NMQYUh34t3&oh=00_AYCl5oK9Kh1Pz0tkmO9QJwIggfSEV0pHzVrP0zMoFcvYIw&oe=67C71847	PERSON_PROFILE	Reading Stories	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,442	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707434}'	No	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	❤️Click to read more exciting content❤️	Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."s ------------------- There are limited chapters to put here, click “learn more” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)	LEARN_MORE	https://fqwebsite.novellairs.com/share/middle/liha	Novellair-The Reading Room	https://www.facebook.com/61558704884181/	496	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fqwebsite.novellairs.com	VIDEO		https://fqwebsite.novellairs.com/share/middle/lihah1uelrk1smn2nzg3ikoc?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481016197_1318046989642391_7018451570922602478_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LNOsrLNdvIEQ7kNvgFvmSBw&_nc_oc=AdisCKm7_z6tSnVmsAyWmg8lJKmhHX5y3UXq6H6y3rre4rETNYuTarCxDmNzmHs0ZlDPKelfGlGcxCsBUocm5-ya&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=An1a0VAwW_Q6qHZz1Xgg63V&oh=00_AYBCMGeobJ8dhz0DYWPhvBQnht4-w_XkXqb2rPYxVrYv6g&oe=67C730E3	PERSON_PROFILE	Novellair-The Reading Room	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,439	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707434}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	❤️Click to read more exciting content❤️	Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."s ------------------- There are limited chapters to put here, click “learn more” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)	LEARN_MORE	https://fqwebsite.novellairs.com/share/middle/liha	Novellair-The Reading Room	https://www.facebook.com/61558704884181/	496	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fqwebsite.novellairs.com	VIDEO		https://fqwebsite.novellairs.com/share/middle/lihah1uelrk1smn2nzg3ikoc?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/481470727_9323916751030691_7951302884611807887_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Svy14w1awZQQ7kNvgHuWZdr&_nc_oc=Adie5r0vJQD3sK5aDHYqXB_gJInx3EKyHDlvdmmy6dDf8sBT0IdEzpEuEOiJiz0i73XNWK5AELsCJWr7Pdmkz_gD&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=An1a0VAwW_Q6qHZz1Xgg63V&oh=00_AYB0amVQwYv4qibLBfpRgdHhnqJzYHxijftwIrhZF8FoIw&oe=67C7343C	PERSON_PROFILE	Novellair-The Reading Room	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,446	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707437}'	No	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	❤️Click to read more exciting content❤️	Chapter 1 She's Back At dawn, Odalys Stone cracked open her eyes, the sunlight pouring through the window making her squint. For a moment, she stared blankly, her mind groggy, before her gaze fell on the crooked calendar on the wall. A bitter smile tugged at her lips. She was back. Back to this godforsaken day—the day her life had been ripped apart. The day she was sold into a marriage from hell, betrayed by the very people she had called family, and ultimately killed. Hatred boiled in her veins, rising like a tide that threatened to drown her. But just as quickly, she forced it down, letting icy calm take its place. Her past life had already wrung every last drop of emotion out of her. Not this time. This time, she wasn't that naive, helpless girl. She was alive. And she was here to make them pay, every single one of them. The sound of heavy footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. A sharp knock rattled the door, followed by louder, more impatient banging. Before Odalys could even move, the door burst open with a deafening crash. A tall figure stormed in, grabbing her arm roughly and yanking her up. "Odalys Stone, are you fucking deaf?" Henry Bennett barked, his grip bruising, his expression one of pure rage. Her face turned glacial, her lips curling into a sneer. Without hesitation, she twisted his wrist sharply and shoved him away with enough force to make him stumble. As he regained his balance, blinking in stunned disbelief, Odalys calmly reached for her phone, pressing the record button without missing a beat. Henry gawked at her, his jaw slack. This wasn't the meek, obedient sister he knew—the one who flinched at his every word. She wasn't cowering or apologizing. She had fought back. "What the hell's gotten into you?" he spat, pointing an accusatory finger at her. "Do you think this is some kind of joke? The Stewarts are coming today, and you're still lying in bed? Do you want them to take Sophia instead? Is that it?" Odalys's gaze hardened, her voice cutting through his tirade like a knife. "Why, Henry? Isn't she the one engaged to him? Or is it because their son is dying that you want me to take her place? You're scared she'll end up a widow, but me? I'm just expendable, right?" His mouth opened and closed, his face turning an ugly shade of red. "Sophia is different," he muttered, his eyes darting away. "If people find out she's been married before, her life will be ruined." A bitter laugh escaped her lips, sharp and cold. "Oh, I see. Her reputation is sacred, but mine? That's disposable? How fucking convenient." Henry's fists clenched at his sides, his face twisting with anger. Before he could lash out, a frail figure appeared at the doorway. "Henry, stop," Sophia Bennett said, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her pale cheeks. She looked heartbreakingly pitiful, her wide eyes shimmering with sorrow. "I'll do it. I'll marry him, okay? If he dies, then... then I'll..." Her voice broke into sobs, her frail body shaking as though she might collapse. "Enough!" Hannah Bennett's voice sliced through the room like a whip. Odalys turned her gaze to her mother, who stood at the doorway flanked by her two brothers, Caspian and Atlas Bennett. Their faces were etched with fury, their contempt for her palpable. "Odalys," Caspian snapped, his fists tightening, "how can you be so heartless? Sophia is your sister. Are you really going to let her face this alone?" Atlas crossed his arms, his tone dripping with disgust. "We're not asking you to die. Just marry him for a while. Once he's gone, you'll come back safe and sound. What's the big deal?" Their audacity was almost laughable. Before her time travel, this might have broken her. She might have screamed, begged them to see reason, only to be crushed under their blackmail and cruelty. She had been drugged, stripped of her dignity, and forced into that cursed marriage. And when it became too much, she had ended it all in despair. But not this time. "Fine," she said coolly, her tone so steady it was almost unnerving. "I never said I wouldn't marry him." Taking a deep breath, Odalys straightened her shoulders, her lips curling into a calm, almost serene smile. Without a word, she walked to her desk, picking up a pen and paper. Her phone, still recording, caught every calculated move. The room fell silent. They exchanged confused glances, trying to figure out what game she was playing. A moment later, she turned back to them, holding out a document she'd just written. "Here's the deal—you're all signing this agreement to sever any and all family ties with me. I want it airtight, legally binding, and notarized. No bullshit, no loopholes. Once that's done, I'll marry the guy. Simple as that." Their stunned silence quickly turned to outrage. Atlas grabbed the document with a sneer, his voice dripping with mockery. "You? Cut ties with us? Who the hell do you think you are? Spit it out—how much do you want?" Henry didn't even hesitate. He pulled a sleek black card from his wallet and tossed it onto the table with a cold, detached expression. "Thirty thousand dollars. Take it and get out. Stop playing the victim—it's just a goddamn wedding. You're acting like we're sending you to the gallows." Sophia's eyes flickered with a momentary spark of relief when she saw the agreement, but she quickly smothered it with crocodile tears. "No, no, don't do this, sister!" Her voice cracked as she shook her head, her tone full of exaggerated despair. "I'll go. I'll marry him if that's what it takes. Please, don't fight with Mom and the boys because of me. It's my fault—I should've left the house the moment you came back if I'd known you felt this way." She spun around dramatically, her frail frame trembling with grief, and collapsed conveniently into Henry's arms. "Sophia," Henry murmured, holding her close like she was made of porcelain. He shot Odalys a glare filled with venom. "Is this what you wanted? To tear this family apart?" Odalys met his fury with icy detachment. "I'm not tearing anything apart. Just sign the damn agreement, get it notarized, and I'll go play your sacrificial lamb." Their angry, incredulous faces only fueled her inner amusement. 'Why did I waste so many years trying to please these people? Why did I beg for affection from people who wouldn't piss on me if I were on fire?' Once, she'd been their discarded daughter, tossed aside like trash while they paraded around their "replacement" — a shiny new girl they'd adopted to fill her spot. Meanwhile, Odalys had been left to fend for herself in the streets, barely surviving. If not for her mentor, she'd have been dead long ago. And yet, despite all that, she'd come back, hoping to earn their love, only to be betrayed in the cruelest way imaginable. But this time? This time, she wasn't here to beg. "You'll regret this!" Hannah's shrill voice snapped through the tension like a whip. She turned to the nearest servant and barked, "Get the lawyer. Now!" Her desperation was almost laughable—she wasn't worried about principle, only about Odalys backing out. The brothers exchanged uneasy glances but stayed silent, too afraid to challenge their mother. "Uh... yes, ma'am," the servant stammered before scurrying off. Henry stood frozen, his jaw clenched as he processed what was happening. "Mom, you're not seriously doing this, are you?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief. But before he could get an answer, Sophia's soft sobs stole the spotlight. "Mom, let's not take it this far," Caspian chimed in, playing the concerned brother. "She's still family." Hannah's lips curled into a sneer, her eyes flashing with pure disdain. "This ungrateful brat thinks she can just walk away? Fine. Let her try. Without the Bennett name, let's see how far she gets in this world." The lawyer arrived moments later, looking thoroughly confused but professional as ever. Hannah shoved the document at him without hesitation, watching as it was officially notarized. Odalys took the signed agreement, her face calm and unreadable. She snapped a photo of it with her phone before slipping the papers into her bag. Without a word, she turned and walked toward the door, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Move," she said coolly, her voice like a blade. "You're in my way." Hannah stood frozen, her fury simmering beneath the surface. Finally, she grabbed her phone and hurled it toward Odalys's retreating figure. "You selfish little bitch! Are you trying to kill me?!" But Odalys didn't even flinch. Her voice floated up the staircase, steady and sharp. "Are those the wedding gifts from the Stewart family?" "Yes, ma'am," a servant replied hesitantly. Everyone froze, their confusion quickly morphing into curiosity as they followed her downstairs. There, Odalys stood in the entryway, surveying the piles of lavish gifts stacked neatly by the door. She pulled out her ID and handed it to the nearest servant. "Go to the bank. Open a safety deposit box and store everything there." The servant blinked, visibly stunned. "Pardon me, ma'am?" Odalys arched a brow, her lips curving into a smirk. "What's the problem? Aren't these gifts for me?" "Y-yes, ma'am," he stammered, nodding quickly. At her command, a team of guards began loading the extravagant gifts back into the trucks. The grand Bennett estate erupted into chaos as workers scrambled to carry out her orders. "What the hell do you think you're doing?!" Hannah screamed, her voice hoarse with rage. Chapter 2 Wedding Gifts The Stewart family—everyone knew their name. They were the pinnacle of power, dripping in wealth, and way out of anyone else's league. The wedding gifts they sent weren't just generous—they were mind-blowing. Even without counting, it was obvious they were worth billions. For a family like the Bennetts? Getting tied to the Stewarts was nothing short of a miracle. They weren't even in the same universe. But fate had handed them a golden ticket. William Bennett and Evander Stewart had once fought together, shoulder to shoulder, in life-or-death battles. Somewhere along the way, they'd sealed a promise: a marriage pact between their future children. Initially, the Bennetts planned to marry off Sophia. It was a straightforward enough plan until bad news hit. The man she was supposed to marry was at death's door, and the whispers said he didn't have much time left. No way were they going to send Sophia into a marriage that'd turn her into a widow before it even began. Luckily—or unluckily, seven months ago, the Bennetts had found their long-lost biological daughter, Odalys Stone. And just like that, they had a perfect solution: send Odalys instead. She'd secure the Bennetts' connection to the Stewarts, widow or not. Sophia would be off the hook, and the family would still come out on top. It was a win-win—at least for everyone except Odalys. "What am I doing here?" Odalys said, her voice calm but laced with a sharp edge as she glanced around. She raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing. "Well, obviously, I'm here to collect what's mine." She didn't bother hiding the amusement in her eyes. Watching the Bennetts fume while the Stewart family bodyguards loomed nearby was too satisfying. "What's wrong? Were you planning to keep it all for yourselves?" Her voice turned mockingly curious, her tone dripping with fake innocence. "Oh, wait—I get it. You're trying to screw me over because you think I'm just the backup bride, right?" Her words hit like a grenade. The bodyguards immediately paused their work, sharp eyes locking onto the Bennetts with unspoken suspicion. Hannah's face went pale, her heavily made-up features twisting in barely contained rage. She spat through gritted teeth, "If the Stewarts gave it to you, then fine. Take it. It's yours." "Damn right, it's mine." Odalys tilted her head, smirk still firmly in place. "Let's go, guys. Load it all up." The bodyguards didn't need to be told twice. They began reloading the boxes of gifts onto the waiting trucks. One of them rattled off the inventory under his breath. "Three boxes with three million dollars each. Two boxes of gold and diamond jewelry, 200 pieces total. One small box containing six property deeds for Crystal Cove villas. One small box with keys to 11 luxury cars." Sophia's fists clenched at her sides, her nails digging so hard into her palms that she almost drew blood. Those gifts were supposed to be hers. Sure, she didn't want to marry into the Stewarts, but she'd never said she didn't want the spoils. And now, she thought Odalys was walking out with everything. Every last thing. Her chest tightened with rage, her breaths coming quick and sharp. 'Why? Why does she get to take what should be mine?' "Odalys Stone, don't you have any shame?" Hannah snapped, stepping forward with a trembling hand pointing at her. Her voice cracked with the effort to keep her anger in check. "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at you? Taking all this—it's disgusting." "Laugh? At me?" Odalys turned, her expression cool, her voice calm and mocking. "For what? Taking what my husband gave me? No, Mrs. Bennett, people aren't going to laugh. They're gonna be jealous as hell." Her lips curled into a cold smile, her eyes glinting with something dangerous. "Or is it you who's jealous?" Her gaze swept across the room, pausing on each familiar face. To her surprise, she didn't feel the anger she thought she would. The Bennetts didn't deserve her rage. What she felt instead was an eerie calm. She'd been here before, in another timeline. This time, she wasn't here to please anyone. This time, she was here to cut ties, burn bridges, and take what was hers. "These gifts belong to me because the Stewarts are marrying me. You got a problem with that?" Her voice was soft but carried an unmistakable edge. Each word hit like a slap. Her eyes scanned the room, finally settling on Sophia. Slowly, deliberately, she stepped forward. Sophia froze, her eyes darting nervously to the side as she stumbled back a step. Her gaze flickered to the boxes of gifts, jealousy and frustration swirling in her tear-filled eyes. She'd never wanted this to happen. Sure, she'd agreed to let Odalys take her place in the marriage, but she hadn't agreed to give her everything. And now, Odalys was walking away with it all. The thought made her stomach churn with rage and humiliation. "Odalys, how could you do this?" Sophia's voice wavered, trembling with fake sweetness as she bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. "You're upsetting Mom. If you take everything, what will the Stewarts think of our family?" Odalys Stone chuckled coldly, her hand gripping Sophia Bennett's chin with just enough force to make the other woman flinch. Leaning in, she lowered her voice, her tone dripping with venom. "And just who the hell do you think you are? A nobody foster kid, and you've got the balls to come at me?" Her lips twisted into a smirk, her gaze sharp and mocking. "What the Stewarts think of you? That's your problem, not mine." She added with a scoff, "Jealous, huh? Pathetic little bitch." Sophia froze, her eyes wide with disbelief. The insult landed like a slap, and for a moment, she couldn't even process it. She wanted to lash out, but with the Stewarts' people watching, she bit her tongue. All she could do was stomp her foot in frustration, her chest heaving as she struggled to keep her composure. "Odalys Stone, what the fuck is your problem?" Atlas barked as he stormed forward, his expression dark. He pulled Sophia behind him protectively, glaring at Odalys like he wanted to snap her in half. Odalys raised a brow, her smirk deepening. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strode toward the door. When she reached it, she pulled a key from her pocket and flung it onto the floor. The sharp clink echoed through the room. Pausing in the doorway, she tossed a cold glance over her shoulder, her voice dripping with mockery. "And what are you gonna do about it? Or better yet, maybe she should be the one marrying instead?" The room fell into stunned silence as she walked out, her ponytail swishing in time with her confident strides. The Bennetts could only stand there, fuming, as the Stewarts' bodyguards continued hauling out the extravagant betrothal gifts without a care in the world. Hannah staggered, her face pale as she watched millions—billions—of dollars in gifts disappear. Her instincts screamed at her to do something, to stop them, but before she could act, Sophia grabbed her wrist in a panic. "Mom, don't! She's just trying to piss you off!" Sophia's voice cracked, panic lacing her words. "Once she calms down, she'll bring everything back. She's just throwing a tantrum—nothing more." But even as she said it, doubt flickered in Sophia's eyes. The truth was, everyone in Crownridge knew the situation with the Stewarts. Their patriarch was already at death's door, with the hospital issuing what was essentially a countdown to his final moments. Years ago, the Stewarts and Bennetts had been close, and the marriage was supposed to strengthen their bond. But now the Stewarts were rushing the wedding to bring some semblance of good fortune to a dying man. There wouldn't even be a ceremony. They'd sent the wedding gifts today with plans to take the bride immediately. The Bennetts, unwilling to let Sophia marry into such a grim situation, had shoved Odalys into the role instead. After all, she'd only recently been found after years of being lost and had no real connection to the family. The plan was simple: send her off, let her deal with the mess, and once the Stewart patriarch passed, bring her back. It was, in their minds, the perfect solution. Henry snorted, his tone filled with contempt. "She really thinks she can pull this shit? That's what happens when you let someone think they're equal to us. Time to remind her where she stands." Caspian leaned lazily against the wall, his lips quirking into a cruel smile. "Relax. Let her have her little moment. Once the bridegroom kicks the bucket, we'll drag her back here and teach her a lesson she won't forget. Let's see if she still thinks she's hot shit after that." But as they watched Odalys climb into the waiting car without so much as a glance back, a cold wind swept through the courtyard, sending a shiver down everyone's spine. The atmosphere shifted, the air growing heavy and unnervingly still. For the first time, an inexplicable unease settled over the Bennetts. In the backseat of the car, Odalys sat quietly, her gaze fixed on the rearview mirror. The Bennett mansion shrank in the distance, shrouded in swirling clouds that seemed to darken the skies around it. The house looked cursed, like it was being swallowed whole by its own greed and malice. A soft, bitter laugh escaped her lips as she leaned back in her seat, closing her eyes. Her mind was flooded with memories from her past life—memories that stung like open wounds. She could still feel the humiliation, the betrayal. The people she had once trusted—her own family—had stripped her bare, literally and figuratively. They'd recorded her, used the footage to blackmail her, and forced her to take Sophia's place. All for their own selfish gain, all to secure their position with the Stewarts. Chapter 3 You're Dying After her death, Odalys's soul drifted aimlessly, trapped in a limbo that felt endless. She couldn't move on, couldn't reincarnate—until an unknown, powerful force yanked her back into the living world, slamming her into a reality she wasn't sure she wanted. The memory made her fists clench tightly, her nails biting into her palms as her jaw set with cold determination. The sleek black car rolled to a stop in front of a sprawling courtyard mansion, its grandeur weighed down by an eerie stillness. The house seemed more like a relic than a home, its walls steeped in secrets and shadows. "Madam, Mr. Stewart is waiting for you upstairs," the butler, Dorian Huxley, said as he stepped aside, gesturing politely for her to follow. His tone was calm and measured, but it carried a quiet urgency. Odalys didn't respond. She stepped out of the car and into the courtyard, the oppressive silence pressing down on her like a physical weight. As she crossed the threshold, her gaze swept over the carefully arranged antiques in the living room—each piece meticulous, imposing, and completely lifeless. Her heels clicked against the polished wood floor as she climbed the stairs, each step reverberating in the stillness. At the top, she paused. A tall figure stood inside the room, his back to her, framed by sunlight filtering through the window. The light scattered across his broad shoulders, softening the harsh lines of his frame. She couldn't see his face, but his presence was unmistakable—commanding, unyielding, and suffocating. "You're Percival Stewart?" she asked, her voice steady, but low and cautious. The man turned slowly, deliberately. His eyes met hers, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Those eyes were cold, bottomless, and completely detached, like looking into a frozen void. He held her gaze for a beat longer than necessary before shifting his eyes away, the indifference in his expression sharp enough to cut. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense, before he finally spoke. "This marriage? It's just my grandfather's dying wish," he said, his voice deep and rough, every word laced with disdain. "Don't waste your time thinking it means anything. There won't be a ceremony, no legal documents, nothing. Once I'm gone, you're free to leave." The bluntness of his words caught her off guard, but she didn't flinch. She just stared at him, taking in the man who had been a shadow in the past. In truth, she knew next to nothing about Percival Stewart. Before her time travel, she had died before the marriage ever happened. All she'd heard was that he was twenty-eight, the head of the Stewart family, and dying from some incurable illness. Beyond that, he was a mystery—a figure hidden behind the impenetrable walls of the Stewart dynasty. He was like an invisible king, ruling from the shadows, unchallenged but utterly alone. Before she could respond, a harsh, violent cough broke the silence. Percival's tall frame trembled slightly, and the sharp, metallic tang of blood filled the air, cutting through the faint scent of scented candle burning in the corner. "Mrs. Stewart, perhaps it's best if you retire to your room," Dorian said, stepping forward quickly. His voice was polite, but the urgency in his movements was impossible to miss. Odalys didn't move. Her sharp gaze stayed locked on Percival, ignoring the butler entirely. She took a step forward, her eyes narrowing as the scent of blood grew stronger. It wasn't just a hint—it was thick, suffocating, and impossible to ignore. Percival felt her approach and shot her a warning glare, his expression hardening. "Go back to your room," he said, his voice rough and authoritative. He turned abruptly, his steps hurried and uneven as if trying to escape her scrutiny. But just as he moved past her, Odalys reached out and grabbed his arm. He froze instantly, his body tensing under her touch. He made a move to pull away, but she was faster. Twisting her grip, she held him in place, then reached up and grabbed his collar without hesitation. The sound of fabric tearing cut through the room like a slap. Percival's shirt split open, revealing a chest sculpted like stone, his bronze skin catching the fractured sunlight pouring in from the window. The room fell silent. Even the air seemed to hold its breath. Dorian stood frozen, his jaw slack with shock, his gaze darting between his mentor and the woman who had just ripped his shirt like it was nothing. No one saw it coming. Odalys, without hesitation, tore open Percival's shirt with a single, fluid motion. No one had ever dared to get this close to him before—let alone touch him. The speed and boldness of her actions left everyone in the room frozen, mouths agape. "What the hell do you think you're doing?" Percival growled, his hand shooting up to clamp around her wrist with an iron grip. Her wrist was locked in his grasp, but Odalys didn't so much as flinch. Her eyes stayed locked on his chest, unblinking, studying his skin with laser focus. Beneath the smooth surface, something was moving—twitching, writhing, almost alive. It looked ready to tear through at any second. His veins bulged unnaturally, pushing against his flesh as though ready to explode. The air grew thick, the metallic tang of blood sharp enough to taste. Percival's body was a battleground, wracked with excruciating pain. It felt like shards of glass were tearing through him, breaking him apart piece by piece. His skin stretched taut, veins pulsating beneath it as if threatening to burst, and every nerve in his body screamed for relief. "Shit," he hissed through gritted teeth, sweat dripping down his temples. His face had gone pale, his jaw tight as he tried to suppress the pain. With great effort, he turned his icy glare on Dorian, who was frozen in the doorway, and the bodyguards lingering nearby, too stunned to move. "Take her back to her room," he ordered, his voice rough but unwavering despite the agony gripping him. "Yes, sir!" Dorian stammered, snapping into action and rushing toward Odalys, his face pale with fear. But before Dorian could reach her, Odalys made her move. She ignored the butler completely, her free hand lifting to press lightly against Percival's chest. The touch was almost playful, her fingertips tracing slow, deliberate patterns on his skin. Then, without warning, she shoved—hard. Percival froze, his entire body locking up. The moment her hand made contact, it sent a shockwave through him, like a current of electricity surging through his veins. The chaos beneath his skin—veins ready to rupture, blood cells fighting a violent war—suddenly stilled. The energy that had been raging inside him recoiled, like a storm abruptly silenced. His blood, moments away from tearing through his flesh, began to reverse its course. Thickened, frozen, and pushed back as though retreating from an unseen force. His heart seized painfully in his chest. "Ugh!" The sound ripped from his throat as dark blood spewed from his lips, splattering onto the floor. The black, foul-smelling liquid dripped from the corner of his mouth, its acrid stench filling the room. He staggered back a step, his pupils blown wide, his body trembling like it was ready to break apart. And then, suddenly, everything stopped. The agony gripping him moments ago faded to a dull ache. The sharp, relentless pressure vanished. His breathing steadied, his chest no longer heaving in pain. Slowly, cautiously, he glanced down at his body, expecting to see the usual horrors: split skin, torn veins, blood pouring from open wounds. But his skin was intact. No ruptures. No shredded flesh. No rivers of blood pooling at his feet. Aside from the dark blood he'd coughed up, he was fine. Whole. The pain, the chaos, the destruction that had always followed these episodes—it was gone. Percival's eyes snapped back to Odalys, shock flickering across his normally stoic face. She stepped back, her hand falling away as she regarded him with a calm, almost clinical detachment. Her gaze swept over him like she was piecing together a puzzle. "So the rumors are true," she said, her tone flat and disinterested. "You really are knocking on death's door." As she spoke, she pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and began wiping her fingers clean. "But since you already made it clear this marriage is just your grandfather's idea to 'ward off bad luck,' and you don't actually want to marry me, that works out perfectly. I wasn't planning on getting married anyway." She tilted her head slightly, her eyes sharp and calculating as they locked onto his. "Let me guess. Your doctors told you you've got less than a month to live, didn't they?" His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't deny it. Odalys smirked faintly, the corner of her mouth curving upward in a way that was both confident and infuriating. "So, here's the deal. I'll keep you alive for the next month. In return, you let me walk away when it's over. No strings attached." Percival's eyes narrowed, suspicion mingling with disbelief. "You're saying you can keep me alive for a month?" "That's exactly what I'm saying," she replied, her tone as steady as her gaze. She stepped closer, reaching out again. This time, her fingers brushed against the corner of his mouth, wiping away the blood that still lingered there. She brought her fingers to her nose, sniffing lightly before speaking again. "You're not dying as fast as they think. You're poisoned—badly—but it's not terminal yet. I can stabilize you. Give you some time." With that, she wiped her fingers clean on the handkerchief and tossed it into a nearby trash can, her movements smooth and deliberate. She met his gaze again, her expression unreadable but unshakable. "Clock's ticking, Stewart. Your move."s ------------------- There are limited chapters to put here, click “learn more” to open App to continue reading (It will automatically jump to the book)	LEARN_MORE	https://fqwebsite.novellairs.com/share/middle/xaku	Novellair-The Reading Room	https://www.facebook.com/61558704884181/	496	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fqwebsite.novellairs.com	VIDEO		https://fqwebsite.novellairs.com/share/middle/xakuesujqmr1sts00u3g1nqh?campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&campaign={{campaign.name}}&adgroup={{adset.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480990574_3800874530224819_4649611281829067875_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jsS53DB5miQQ7kNvgFE8rQZ&_nc_oc=AdioUpbatk_IFF4WlP_NSiPwJYflta-bufNE3SJcRR435ELoxhe4bkAN5TnpX4FfYJJBRwf-wzpROyTf0mxdgDdZ&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=An1a0VAwW_Q6qHZz1Xgg63V&oh=00_AYBD7zc_tr9pWMA0EVt1fUCh53Ikbf-4cbH3_1s-INYOdw&oe=67C736EB	PERSON_PROFILE	Novellair-The Reading Room	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,452	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2707166}'	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	❤️😍Continue reading👉👉👉	Trapped and whipped by two men, I couldn't scream a single sound because I'm mute... ------------------------- As evening fell, Blair Davidson had prepared a feast, eagerly awaiting her husband's return for dinner. The hours crept by, and at one in the morning, her husband still hadn't come home. The wall clock ticked steadily, marking time in the quiet house. The once-warm dishes had grown cold, mirroring Blair's dejected heart. With a quiet sigh, Blair collected the untouched food and moved it to the kitchen. She began reheating everything, hoping to preserve some warmth of home. Just then, she heard the front door open and quickly turned around. A tall, striking figure in a business suit walked in. He seemed unsteady on his feet, having clearly been out drinking, but somehow this only enhanced his natural charm. This was Blair's husband, Rhys Davidson! Blair rushed to welcome him home. She had prepared a special drink for him, but as she offered it, his unsteady movements caused it to spill across the floor. Before she could step back, Rhys moved closer, tilted her face up, and kissed her suddenly. Then Rhys swept her up and carried her toward their room. His intentions were clear - he was seeking physical comfort. Rhys placed Blair on their bed with urgency. As she tried to sit up, Rhys's body pressed against hers, pinning her to the mattress. His strength overwhelmed her; resistance was futile. She couldn't voice any objections even if she wanted to. Being mute, silence was her only option. Blair surrendered to the moment. Rhys trailed passionate kisses down her neck and chest. Noticing her quietness and stillness, he touched her cheek gently, whispering, "Why so quiet?" Tears welled in Blair's eyes at his question. Her condition meant she couldn't express pleasure vocally like other women. She wondered about his question - did he ask despite knowing her condition? Was he trying to hurt her? Or was there something deeper behind his words? Blair responded by kissing him and running her fingers along his body... Rhys's arousal grew intensely; his manhood straining against his clothes. Unable to wait, he undressed them both and joined their bodies as one. Blair's beautiful features tensed with discomfort. Despite their previous intimacy, she always felt completely filled. His size was overwhelming! Being his wife had its challenges... Yet soon, the initial discomfort gave way to waves of pleasure. Chapter 2 Their intimate moment was intense - despite her mixed feelings, Blair couldn't deny the physical connection. With Rhys's athletic build, their encounter lasted a full hour. They reached their peak together... Dawn had broken when Blair next opened her eyes. Rhys was in the bathroom, leaving her alone with her thoughts. As the passion faded, emptiness crept in. Her heart ached; Rhys's actions spoke of desire, not love. She wondered about her place in his life. Was she truly his wife? Or merely a convenience? A buzz from the bedside table interrupted her thoughts. Rhys's phone! Someone had messaged him. Blair caught a glimpse. It was from a woman - Raven Brooks. The message read: "[You said you'd be with me tonight. Why'd you go back to that worthless mute?]" The words cut deep into Blair's heart. So that explained his late return - he'd been with another woman... The bathroom door creaked open as Rhys emerged, freshly showered. Blair quickly looked away from the phone, pretending she hadn't seen anything, and continued dressing. Rhys approached the bed, grabbed his phone, and studied Blair's face. "Did you check my messages?" he asked casually. Blair shook her head quickly. She recalled his wedding day words: "Don't fall for me. I'll provide for you, but that's all." He'd made it clear - love wasn't part of the deal. Even if she had seen the message, what right did she have to react? Her feelings meant nothing to Rhys - whether she felt jealousy, sadness, or pain. Those denied care have no right to anger. Her love, her emotions - to Rhys, they were probably just inconveniences... Blair signed: "I'll make breakfast." Fighting her body's soreness, she rose slowly and headed to the kitchen. Rhys watched her fragile form retreat, then deleted Raven's message. Soon, breakfast was ready. They ate in silence. "You're coming to the Davidson Estate with me," Rhys suddenly announced. Blair nodded with her usual smile. Rhys observed her. Blair's constant agreeability and perpetual smile seemed to erase her identity. A person without spirit held little interest... After breakfast, they drove to the Davidson Estate. Blair had entered Rhys's life through his grandfather, Fletcher Davidson, who had a soft spot for her. Three years ago, a critically ill Fletcher had ordered Rhys to marry Blair. But Rhys's heart belonged to another then. That woman was Raven, who'd just messaged him. Childhood sweethearts, Raven and Rhys had grown up together. Despite his feelings for Raven, Rhys couldn't defy his grandfather and married Blair. Blair loved Rhys, though she couldn't voice it. One-sided love in marriage was destined for heartache. Marriage had taught Blair this harsh truth. Rhys's heart remained with Raven... They arrived at the Davidson Estate. The house buzzed with excitement - Rhys's sister, Skylar, had just had a son, and they were celebrating. Blair followed Rhys inside. Margaret, Rhys's mother, was cradling her grandson, beaming. Her smile vanished at Blair's appearance. Her dislike was obvious. Blair greeted her, but Margaret ignored her, focusing on Rhys and Skylar. Blair accepted the slight quietly, maintaining her composure. Skylar glanced at Blair, saying, "The baby's adorable. When will you and Rhys have one?" Margaret scoffed, "One mute in the family is shameful enough. Another would be unbearable!" Rhys glanced at Blair, who lowered her head in pain. Skylar's question wasn't innocent. The previous year, Blair had been pregnant, but Margaret had forced her to terminate, fearing another mute child! Chapter 3 When Rhys learned about it, he remained silent, offering no protection. Under the pressure, Blair had no choice but to end the pregnancy. She often wondered about that child - they would've been turning one by now... Besides Fletcher, the family rejected Blair, especially Skylar, who harbored deep resentment. Blair had entered their lives when she was five. Skylar, jealous of their grandfather's affection for Blair, tormented her for being mute. She'd lock Blair away, burn her hair, and once even pushed her down the stairs - an incident Rhys witnessed. He scolded Skylar then. Already bitter about their grandfather favoring Blair, Skylar now faced her beloved brother's criticism for hurting Blair. Her hatred only grew. Back then, Blair couldn't sign or write to report the abuse, so Skylar's cruelty intensified, with Blair bearing the brunt of every mood swing. As they aged, Skylar's tactics shifted from physical to emotional warfare. She deliberately brought up pregnancy, knowing it would reopen Blair's wounds. Such calculated cruelty! "We're leaving," Rhys announced abruptly. "Why the rush?" Skylar protested. "At least finish eating!" "Work calls," Rhys replied curtly, leading Blair out without a backward glance. Skylar watched them leave, her anger mounting. Rhys should love Raven, not Blair. Why was he defending her? In the car, Rhys lit a cigarette, clearly agitated. Blair waited quietly beside him. When he finished, he turned to her. She maintained her gentle smile, like a servant awaiting instruction. Her lack of reaction and submissive attitude unsettled Rhys. He despised spinelessness. People should show anger when wronged! Yet, he felt a twinge of sympathy. "What are your thoughts on having children?" he asked. Blair's surprise showed briefly before she signed: Your mother's right. If the child is mute like me, it's better not to have one. Life had taught Blair harsh lessons: every hope eventually shattered. The sweeter the dream, the more painful its end! Like when Fletcher bought her a birthday cake as a child. Before she could make her wish, Skylar shoved her face into it. She'd lifted her frosting-covered face to find everyone laughing at her misfortune. She'd smiled through her tears. After so much pain, Blair dared not hope anymore. "We weren't careful last night," Rhys mentioned suddenly. "There might be a chance..." Blair signed: I'm on birth control. Rhys watched her graceful fingers move - long and elegant from years of signing, their dance-like movements oddly captivating. After a moment, he looked away, started the engine, and muttered, "That's good." Blair lowered her gaze. Rhys stopped at Blair's workplace, a coffee shop. There stood Raven. She always managed to find him. Tall and striking, with endless legs and cascading curls, Raven commanded attention. Watching Rhys and Blair exit the car, fury blazed in her eyes. Raven carried herself like the wife, while Blair seemed the outsider - yet Blair held the legal claim to that title! Chapter 4 When Raven spotted Rhys, she knit her eyebrows and asked, "What brings you here?" Her eyes fell on Blair standing next to him, noticing light bruises on her neck. The sight made her blood boil. Holding back her anger, Raven flashed a smile at Rhys. "I just wanted to see you," she said sweetly. Rhys turned to Blair, "Get inside and start your shift." Blair nodded and walked toward the coffee shop. This was her workplace - the only place that had given her a chance after countless rejections. Once Blair was out of hearing range, Raven grabbed Rhys's arm playfully. "Are you still mad at me?" Instead of pulling away, Rhys simply said, "Let's talk in the car." Before climbing in, Raven pulled out sanitizer from her purse and sprayed the seat where Blair had been sitting. She looked up with a smirk, "Got to clean up after trash sat here!" Rhys just watched her silently, letting her do as she pleased. Through the coffee shop window, Blair watched everything unfold. She saw how Rhys let Raven get away with everything, how much he cared for her. People who are loved think they can do no wrong. Rhys was so into Raven that even her most outrageous behavior seemed okay to him - even when she was dissing his wife right in front of him. After sanitizing the seat, Raven finally got in the car. She fixed her curls and grabbed Rhys's hand. "Come on, why so serious? I promise I won't bring up divorce anymore!" Though Rhys spoiled Raven rotten, he'd always get upset whenever she mentioned divorcing the mute woman. Sure, Rhys claimed he didn't love Blair and only felt obligated to her, but that still drove Raven crazy. Raven was the jealous type - she wanted Rhys all to herself. She couldn't stand the thought of sharing him with anyone, even a mute woman! Plus, her gut told her Rhys was lying. Something inside her said he might actually love Blair but just couldn't show it. That thought made Raven even more furious and deepened her hatred for Blair. Rhys lit up a cigarette, leaned back, took a couple of deep drags, and let the smoke fill the car. "Look, Raven," he said. "I promised you'd never want for anything as long as you're with me. Even without marriage, I'll take care of you forever. I keep my word." He turned to face her. "That's my promise to you, just like the one I made to my grandfather." Before his grandfather died, he'd made Rhys swear to look after Blair for life, whether he loved her or not. And Rhys had promised! In his whole life, Rhys had only made promises to two people: his grandfather and Raven. Promises! Damn promises! Those words always set Raven off! "Yeah, I know you're a man of your word," Raven said through gritted teeth. "But I was in your life first!" After finishing his smoke, Rhys flicked the butt out the window and took Raven's hand, his voice soft. "I'm sorry. What do you want?" Raven tilted her head, thinking. "I'm over my Ferrari. I want a Maserati now!" A slight smile crossed Rhys's face. "Done." "And one more thing," Raven added. "Don't go see that mute Blair for a month." Rhys paused for a moment before nodding. "Okay." Satisfied, Raven beamed. "Let's go, you've got work!" Blair watched Rhys and Raven drive away, her heart breaking. The cloth in her hand was all twisted up from her grip. She smoothed it out on the table, like she was trying to smooth out her own tangled emotions. Just then, someone spoke up, "Your husband's getting cozy with another woman right in front of you. Doesn't that make you mad?" Chapter 5 Blair turned to see who was talking. It was Lauren Hayes, lounging in her chair, giving off a light scent of designer perfume. She owned the coffee shop and had become Blair's friend. Lauren was tall, about 5'10", with short hair, wearing a black tee and casual pants. When she kept quiet, people often mistook her for a guy. During Blair's job interview, Lauren had playfully squeezed her cheeks, catching Blair off guard. It wasn't until Lauren spoke that Blair realized she was actually a woman. Blair put down the cleaning cloth and signed with a smile, "I'm used to it." Lauren watched Blair's fingers move and noticed her red-rimmed eyes, her heart going out to her. As Blair's friend, Lauren knew all too well about the raw deal Blair got in her marriage. Lauren handed Blair a coffee, saying, "Here's your favorite, just brewed. Give it a try." Blair thanked her and took a sip. It was perfect! A smile lit up Blair's face. With her fair skin, when Blair looked at someone, she looked just like a helpless puppy - the kind that made your heart melt. That's why Lauren couldn't resist pinching her cheeks. Blair wasn't into it at first but got used to it over time. It's crazy how things become normal after a while! Lauren had a big heart. She even watched videos to learn sign language just to understand Blair better. Now she could get most of what Blair was signing. Suddenly, Lauren grabbed Blair's arm. "Come upstairs, I need your help with something." Blair quickly set down her coffee and followed Lauren up to a corner room on the second floor, filled with colorful paintings. Besides running the coffee shop, Lauren was also a "painter." Though she gave herself that title - she hadn't sold a single painting yet. Her parents had shot down her dreams of studying art, so she'd opened this coffee shop as a front for her secret painting studio. Once inside, Lauren plopped Blair onto a stool. "Don't budge. You're my model for today." Blair sat perfectly still. Lauren loved using Blair as her muse and had done tons of portraits of her. As the morning wore on into lunch hour, a massive downpour started outside. Rain drummed against the windows, creating a cozy vibe inside. The bad weather drove more customers in, making the downstairs crazy busy. Lauren and Blair had to put the painting on hold to help out. Being short-handed, even Lauren, the boss, had to pitch in with deliveries. She asked Blair to come along. Lauren jumped on her motorcycle with Blair riding behind her. Blair wanted to take an umbrella despite the rain, but Lauren wouldn't hear of it. According to Lauren, motorcycles were cool, but umbrellas on motorcycles? Not cool at all. So Blair just clutched the coffee close, shivering on the back of Lauren's bike. The rain was coming down in sheets, with thunder and lightning making the noon sky look like nighttime. When Lauren's motorcycle pulled up outside a particular building, Blair's face fell. Because this was Rhys's company! Chapter 6 Lauren helped Blair get her helmet off; they were both soaked to the bone, but the coffee Blair was holding stayed dry. Lauren joked, "These people are crazy. Big fancy company, but no coffee maker, so they've gotta get delivery." Taking the coffee from Blair, Lauren grinned, "Wait here, I'll be right back." Blair nodded and quietly walked to the entrance to wait. Staring at the wall of rain in front of her, Blair's mind wandered. It was pouring just like this the day Fletcher brought her to Rhys's house. She'd hidden shyly behind Fletcher while nine-year-old Rhys checked her out. Rhys had asked who she was. Fletcher had teased, "Your future wife. Interested?" Nine-year-old Rhys had sneered, "I don't want some monkey for a wife." She really had been scrawny and pale back then, with dry, straw-like hair - probably looking worse than a monkey at the zoo. But then he'd added, "How're you gonna be my wife when you're so skinny? You need to eat more." Even though Rhys was just kidding around, Blair always took his words to heart. Lost in these memories, a voice snapped her back to reality. "With this awful rain, I don't feel like working. I'm outta here!" It was Raven, clicking out of the company gates in her heels, when she spotted Blair standing there, drenched. "Blair?" Raven was on the phone with Rhys, who caught Blair's name on his end. Glancing back at the building, then at Blair, Raven hung up. "Here to see Rhys?" Blair shook her head. Raven raised an eyebrow and strutted over, smirking, "Rhys says you're so innocent, but you're not fooling anyone. Coming here all wet and pathetic for sympathy?" She tugged at Blair's dripping hair mockingly, "Playing the poor little victim!" Raven's face oozed smugness. "Drop the act. Rhys doesn't give a damn about you. You're just like some stray he took in!" Blair pressed her lips tight - maybe from the cold rain, they'd gone ghostly white. Raven didn't need to spell it out; Blair knew it all too well. The way Rhys looked at her was exactly how he looked at their pets at home. He loved their cat too - if he forgot to feed it before work, he'd come all the way back just to do it. Just then, Lauren came back with the coffee. She quickly stepped in front of Blair protectively and sized Raven up, saying, "Back off, you home-wrecker! Leave Blair alone!" Raven's face darkened as she glared at Lauren. "How dare you!" Lauren crossed her arms, giving Raven a mocking once-over, "What's wrong with calling it like it is? Am I lying? You're nothing but a cheap home-wrecker!" "You..." Raven sputtered, her face turning purple. She hated being called that. If it weren't for Blair, she should've been Rhys's wife! Why was she getting trash-talked? Used to getting her way because of Rhys's favor, Raven had never been dissed like this to her face. She raised her hand to slap Lauren. But Lauren wasn't having it. Before Raven could strike, Lauren beat her to it. Raven went down with a shriek. The slap left her face swollen, and she twisted her ankle in those stilettos. She clutched her foot, tears streaming down her face. Lauren looked down at her with disgust. "You really thought you could hit me? Serves you right, you home-wrecker!" Through the pain, Raven shot Lauren a hate-filled glare. Lauren grabbed the shocked Blair. "We're out of here!" Blair kept looking back. She saw Rhys rushing out, scooping Raven up from the ground. Even through the rain, she could see how gentle he was with her. But Rhys never noticed Blair standing there in the rain. Lauren revved up the motorcycle and disappeared into the downpour. The heavy rain blurred Blair's vision until the tall building behind them became just a shadow in the storm. Chapter 7 Raven let out an annoyed sigh, turning her head away from him. A security guard came over with some security camera footage and handed it to Rhys. "Sir, here's the video footage." As Rhys watched the video, his expression darkened immediately. He'd been to Blair's workplace before and knew Lauren, along with her other identity she kept hidden. But Blair wasn't in the footage. Rhys tossed the tablet onto the table and said to Raven, "I'm taking you to the hospital." Even more upset by how little he seemed to care, Raven shot back, "No way! Let my leg break - at least then I won't have to hear people calling me a sl every time I go out." "Don't be stubborn. We're going to the hospital," Rhys insisted. "I said no!" Rhys picked her up and walked out. Blair sat behind Lauren on the motorcycle, rain streaming down her face. She carefully held onto Lauren's waist. Even in the cold rain, Lauren's back felt warm. She wanted to thank Lauren but couldn't speak. In her twenty-three years, besides Fletcher and Rhys, Lauren was the first person to ever stand up for her. Lauren glanced down at the hand on her waist and silently sighed. In the freezing rain, what fell on Lauren's back felt warm - they weren't raindrops, but Blair's tears. She was finally letting herself cry in the downpour. Instead of heading back to the coffee shop, Lauren drove Blair home. After parking, Lauren got off the bike, walked Blair to her door, took off Blair's helmet, and smoothed down her wet hair. "Get changed - you don't want to catch a cold. He won't care if you get sick!" Blair nodded and signed, "Hold on a sec." She rushed inside and came back with an umbrella, offering it to Lauren. Lauren hesitated but took it, not wanting to hurt Blair's feelings. Lauren smiled and said, "Okay, I'll take it. Now get inside, quick!" Blair lingered, seeming to want to watch her leave. "You're something else, you know that?" Lauren opened the umbrella, propped it on her shoulder, got on her bike, and rode off smoothly. Her voice carried through the rain, "See you later!" Blair watched until she disappeared, a smile playing on her lips. If Rhys had been there, he would've noticed this smile was different - more real. Blair sneezed. Even after taking a hot shower and some cold medicine, she still felt woozy. When she checked her temperature, it read 103 - she definitely had a fever. After taking some Tylenol, she crawled into bed and passed out. When Blair woke up, someone was sitting by her bed. The room was so dark she thought she was seeing things. She rubbed her eyes and switched on the light. There sat Rhys, legs crossed, in a black shirt with the top buttons undone and sleeves rolled up, showing off his muscular forearms. An expensive watch on his wrist screamed money and status. His face was stone-cold as he stared at Blair. "Sleeping pretty good, weren't you?" Blair knelt up on the bed, quickly signing, "Sorry I overslept. Have you eaten?" Ignoring her question, Rhys said flatly, "You're done at the coffee shop." Shocked, Blair signed, "Why?" "Lauren's bad news. She'll be a bad influence on you. You're not going back there. I'll find you something else." Usually, Blair just went along with whatever Rhys said. Not this time. She signed, "I like working there. I want to stay." "I said no!" His voice went ice-cold, his eyes drilling into her. Blair bit her lip but held his gaze. It was the first time she'd ever dared to look at him this way. Blair signed, "Is this about what happened at the company?" "You've got some nerve bringing that up. Who took Lauren there?" Rhys's eyes narrowed. Blair looked down but didn't explain, just stubbornly signing, "I want to work there!" "You really want to test me on this?" Rhys's voice was filled with anger. Blair didn't move. Rhys stood up and headed for the door. At the doorway, he turned back to Blair. "Don't let me catch you hanging around Lauren again!" He walked out without another glance. Still super dizzy, Blair touched her forehead - still burning up, even her breath felt hot. She shook her head, jumped out of bed barefoot, and chased after him downstairs. On the stairs, she grabbed the bottom of his shirt. Rhys stopped and turned. "What now?" Blair pressed her lips together, stared at him for a long moment, then seemed to make up her mind. She let go of his shirt. She walked past him to the living room couch, bent down, and opened a drawer. Following her, Rhys saw it - divorce papers sitting right there in the drawer! Those papers had been there for a while, but Rhys never knew. He'd never even opened that drawer before. He stared at Blair in shock and confusion. Blair looked back at him, her eyes saying everything her voice couldn't: Let's get divorced!	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.t	GreatNovels	https://www.facebook.com/61570845060031/	38	1969-12-31 18:00	Install now	play.google.com	IMAGE		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tapread.reader	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480920148_621372590651420_7284063191609207283_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ZG9Lt-Gya3IQ7kNvgHeXWp9&_nc_oc=AdhJKzXAF6kNALxDBK3-XLzlhZ3B1l1XyHV8j6tvRTFxo53-jcBLw_kdMktsF9dUHQ6sZuYwbhGgDfqA3oObk5FL&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=An1a0VAwW_Q6qHZz1Xgg63V&oh=00_AYDE0-rzFokGwxsYTEEfkRwSGnRUyNAqUDFnrVSFArwE-A&oe=67C70F98	PERSON_PROFILE	GreatNovels	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,707,453	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2025-02-28 00:31	active	2651	😍Click to continue reading	I never thought I’d see him again. As I step off the bus, the scorching sun beats down on me. The heat here is unbearable, with not even the slightest breeze to offer relief. I already miss the places I've come to call home over the years. Grabbing my suitcase from the driver—who’s been eyeing me with a mix of disinterest and impatience—I flash him a polite smile, take my bag, and turn away without another glance. The bus station is smaller than I remember. I push through the crowd, scanning the faces around me, searching for my aunt. I’ve moved around more times than I can count—first with my mother, and then, after she passed away, with my aunt, who took me in along with her mate and daughter. Constantly relocating wasn’t a choice; it was a necessity. Someone was always after me. My aunt was insistent that I return to this town, though I still don’t understand why. This place holds nothing but bad memories for me—especially since he is here. I refuse to say his name. He abandoned my mother and me when I was just ten years old. I watched her heart break a little more each day, while he never once looked back. He was too caught up in his pack, too in love with his own life to remember the daughter he left behind. So why did my aunt want me back here? She and my cousin Eleanor have settled in this place, but I made it clear—I would only return if it was a matter of life and death. And now, I’m back, trapped in a town that will no doubt become my personal hell. “Sierra, OVER HERE!” I hear her before I see her. Turning to my left, I spot my aunt waving frantically, bouncing on her toes to get my attention. I force a smile and start making my way toward her. As I walk, my senses sharpen. I can feel the weight of several eyes on me, curious and assessing. This town is a werewolf town. There are humans here, but my aunt told me they’re aware of the supernatural. Two packs live on the outskirts of town, sitting on opposite ends. One of them is his pack. And from what I’ve heard, they roam freely here. This is going to be interesting—a panther shifter living in the middle of werewolf territory. “Auntie,” I greet her with a smile, stepping closer. She groans at the word, her expression shifting immediately. “Sierra, you know I hate being called that.” I chuckle. “Sorry, Raven.” I pull her into a hug, feeling some of the tension ease from my body. “How was the trip?” she asks, taking my bag from me as we head toward the exit. “It was fine. First a plane ride, then a twelve-hour bus ride. There were a few stops along the way, so I got to stretch my legs. But I didn’t mind—I’m used to it. I also made sure no one was following me,” I add, glancing over my shoulder. That’s when I notice the bus driver handing off his keys to another driver. Both of them are staring right at me. I sigh. “If one more person keeps staring, I swear I’ll rip their throats out,” Aria growls in my mind. She’s my panther counterpart—always on edge, always ready for a fight. My mother was a panther shifter, just like me, just like Raven and Eleanor. “Why is everyone staring at me?” I mutter, uneasy. Aria steps forward in my mind, scanning the area through my eyes. Raven smirks. “Well, it’s not every day a stunning twenty-year-old woman rolls into town.” I snort. “Yeah, right. There must be plenty of girls here. But you know what I mean.” I catch two elderly women watching me. The moment I meet their eyes, they quickly look away—but one of them seems to be mind-linking someone. “I bet she’s telling her Alpha that someone new is here,” Aria muses, stretching lazily before retreating to the back of my mind. Raven studies me, lowering her voice. “Be careful when Aria comes forward. Your eyes shift color slightly.” I nod. “We’ll talk more in the car.” We exit the bus station and head toward the parking lot, Raven leading the way to her small Toyota. Just as we approach, a black Mustang screeches to a stop right in front of her car. Raven groans. “One Alpha too many,” she mutters under her breath. “Be nice, Sierra.” The driver steps out first, his gaze flicking to me before he opens the rear door. Two young men climb out, looking to be around my age. Then it hits me. A familiar scent—one I haven’t smelled in years. I stiffen as a low growl escapes me before I can stop it. I know that scent. He’s not my father. But he smells just like him. Which means... He must be his son. Chapter 2 Sierra I have a brother—or at least, someone who seems to be my age. "You must be Raven’s niece, Sierra. My name is Dane. I’m the Beta of the Dark Valley Pack, and this here is Caleb, our Gamma. We wanted to introduce ourselves," Dane said. I stared at him, unimpressed. His Alpha was either too busy or just didn’t care enough to find out who I was. "Yeah, that’s me. Now, can you move your car so we can leave?" I said through clenched teeth. Raven looked like she wanted to slap me but managed to restrain herself. "Sierra," she warned. "My apologies, we didn’t realize this was your car," Dane said, clearly lying. Raven had been living here for months, and they had to know. "Cruz, could you move the car to a parking spot, please?" The driver, Cruz, nodded, got back into the car, and drove it into a space on the opposite side of Raven’s vehicle. "Better?" Dane asked with a smug smile. "Yeah, I guess," I said with a hint of irritation. "Raven, can we go now? I’ve been awake for over twenty-four hours, and I’m exhausted." I let out a fake yawn for emphasis. Raven smirked, knowing full well I was just trying to get out of this conversation. "Of course, Sierra. Beta, Gamma, was there anything else you needed?" she asked while placing my bag in the back seat and loading my suitcase into the trunk. Both men looked at me, and I noticed Caleb seemed to be mind-linking someone. "He’s linking the Alpha," Aria, my wolf, murmured from the back of my mind. She had been watching everything unfold through my eyes, clearly amused. After a few seconds, Dane turned back to us, his expression unreadable. "No, nothing else. Oh, actually—one thing. We’ll be stopping by the café later to pick up the cakes we ordered for the ceremony." "No problem. They’ll be ready by the time you come to collect them. I hope the new Alpha has a great welcome-home party," Raven said. "Oh, he will," Dane replied with a cocky grin. I shuddered, my thoughts immediately going to all the crude things he could be implying. But then he caught me off guard. "You two should come," he said. Raven glanced at them before shaking her head. "I don’t think so. Sierra needs to rest after her long journey," she said. I knew exactly why she was acting this way, and my blood boiled. I knew who would be at that party. "Well, the invitation stands," Dane said. Caleb looked at me carefully. "You should come to the packhouse—" "I don’t think so," I cut him off before he could finish. "You both know my father is part of your pack. I will not—no, I will never—step foot in your packhouse. So why don’t you two go do whatever it is you need to do before I throw up all over those nice shoes of yours?" I snapped. I turned to open the car door but hesitated for a second, looking back at Caleb. "Oh, and do me a favor—say hi to my father. I doubt he’ll show his face anytime soon, especially since it’s been ten years since he last saw me. So enjoy your little party, but don’t ever come near me again." Without another word, I climbed into the car and slammed the door shut. "Stupid wolves," I muttered under my breath. I sat there, waiting for Raven to get in. Glancing through the window, I saw the three of them standing there, speechless from my outburst. I hated that man. I never wanted to see the person who abandoned me. "I apologize for Sierra," Raven said as she walked to the car, opening the driver’s side door. Dane had recovered from my outburst and gave me a smug smile. "I hope she changes her mind. We don’t want any trouble," he said. Without another word, the three of them turned and walked off. Raven and I watched them go. "Stupid wolves," I muttered again. "Sierra, you need to be careful with what you say," Raven warned as she started the engine. We pulled out of the parking lot and onto the main road, driving in silence for a while. Finally, I broke it. "Raven, why did you want me here?" Chapter 3 Sierra "Raven, why did you want me here?" She sighed. "Because I wanted to see you. You’re my niece." I studied her face. I believed her, but I also knew there was more to it. "And?" I pressed. She was quiet for a moment. "Your father came into the café a few weeks ago when I first moved here. One of his pack members told him I was in town. He wanted to know how you were… and if you were coming back to live here," she admitted, stealing a glance at me. "He wants to get to know you, Sierra." I laughed dryly. "Yeah, sure. He hasn’t cared for ten years. Why now?" She shrugged. "I don’t know. I understand why you hate him for what he did to your mother and for abandoning you. I hate him too. But when I told him you’d never want to see him again… he seemed genuinely hurt." I didn’t respond. I knew Raven would let me make my own choice about this, but as far as I was concerned, that man was dead to me. "Sierra, you don’t know the full story of why he left," she said softly. I turned to her, my expression blank. The problem with that? I did know why he left. And I knew exactly what had made him do it. Either Raven didn’t know, or she believed whatever lies he had told her. Trying to change the subject, I asked, "Who’s the new Alpha? Why are they throwing a welcome-home party for him?" She hesitated before answering. "His name is Damon. He’s the Alpha’s son. He’s been away for the past few months, training with neighboring packs," she said. "Before he left, he came into the café every day. You’ll probably see him around soon enough." I didn’t want to see anyone—especially not an Alpha. I let the conversation drop and turned to stare out the window. The town was surrounded by dense forest, but the houses were built close together. After a few minutes, Raven pulled into the driveway of a small terraced house. It looked normal enough. The houses were near the forest, making it easy for wolves to shift and run freely. "We need to shift soon. It’s been too long," Aria murmured in my head. As I stepped out of the car, I suddenly felt like someone was watching me. "Aria, do you sense anyone?" I asked, keeping my back straight. "I don’t know, but I don’t like it here," she admitted. "Something feels… off." I agreed. There was something unsettling about this place. Raven must have felt it too because she glanced behind me, her expression unreadable. "Let’s get you inside. I need to head to the café to close up," she said, grabbing my arm and leading me toward the house. Once inside, I glanced around. The living room and kitchen were open-plan, and a staircase led upstairs. Raven hesitated before locking the front door. "Everything okay?" I asked, narrowing my eyes. "Yeah… Let me show you to your room. You can shower and rest while I head to the café," she said quickly. She led me upstairs, showing me my room—which had its own bathroom. "I had this installed last week, knowing you’d be visiting. Now that you’re staying, it’ll be useful," she said with a smile. I nodded. The room was small but cozy—a far cry from sleeping on the ground or in trees. "I got everything you might need. If you need anything else, we can go shopping tomorrow. Also, do you want to work some shifts at the café?" she asked. "Yeah, sure," I said, just as my stomach growled. She chuckled. "I’ll make you some sandwiches. You should eat, then sleep." I yawned. "Thanks, Raven." As she left, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. I was too exhausted to dwell on it. Within minutes of my head hitting the pillow, sleep pulled me under. Chapter 4 Raven I can’t believe Sierra is back. I’ve missed her so much these past two years. She wanted to travel, and who could blame her? After everything she’s been through in the last decade, she deserved it. I knew the lavender and sage in her room would knock her and Aria out cold. I needed her to rest, but more than that, I needed her to be safe. He’s been outside, lurking in the shadows, watching her return home. I step outside and lock the door behind me. I know he’s still there, watching, waiting. He wants to see her. But she hates him—loathes him—for abandoning her and for what he did to her mother. As I walk down the driveway, I spot him standing to my right. “She looks just like Eden,” he murmurs. I shoot him a cold, hard glare. No matter that he’s Sierra’s father—what he did was unforgivable. I don’t like him either, not after everything he put my sister through. “You shouldn’t be here. She doesn’t want to see you,” I say flatly. “By the way, she met your son. He wanted to come to the party tonight, but she shut that down real quick.” My voice drips with venom. “I heard she takes after Eden—same fire in her spirit,” he says. I bare my teeth at him. “Stop saying my sister’s name. You lost the right to speak it a long time ago.” I push past him, my blood boiling. He looks wounded. “Raven, please… you know what happened,” he says, guilt thick in his voice. “I didn’t have a choice.” I whirl around, facing him head-on, my panther stirring beneath my skin, itching to tear him apart. “You have some goddamn nerve saying that. I wouldn't be surprised if Sierra knows more about what really happened than you think,” I snap. “And listen to me carefully—you need to stay away from her. She despises you. As for your so-called son, she doesn’t know him or that daughter of yours. So if I were you, I’d keep them far away from her.” He stares down at me, expression unreadable. “Raven, please... I just want to know my daughter.” I sneer, his name like poison on my tongue. “Kieran, back the hell off. I’m warning you. You, your mate, your children, and that old Alpha you chose over your own flesh and blood—stay the hell away from her. You have no idea what she’s been through.” I realize too late that I’ve said too much. His brow furrows. “What do you mean? What has she been through?” His shock is evident, though he quickly masks it. Shit. That’s not my story to tell. I turn on my heel and keep walking. The café is just around the corner from my place. “Raven, tell me, please,” he calls after me, still following. I push open the café door. It’s closing time—we’re shutting early for the ceremony. Eleanor stands behind the counter, a warm smile on her face when she sees me, but the moment she spots Kieran, her expression hardens. She hates him too. “Raven,” he says, stepping inside, “you can’t keep this from me. She’s my daughter.” I’ve had enough of this bastard. He hasn’t given a damn about Sierra for ten years. The only reason I’m even living here again is because I have to be. I spin around to face him, my patience gone. “Listen up, you worthless piece of shit. You were never in her life. I don’t owe you a damn thing. You never came back for her—not once—even after all the messages I sent you. You are not, and will never be, her father,” I hiss. “I had to raise her and Eleanor on my own, you jackass, with no help from you. You want to know Sierra? Then come here and talk to her yourself. Or better yet, wait until she actually wants to talk to you—which, let me tell you, will be never.” I can feel the shame radiating off him, but before I can lay into him further, the door swings open. His son, Dane, walks in with the new Alpha, Damon. Both of them take in the scene, Dane immediately sensing the tension. “Dad, what are you doing here?” he asks, glancing between me and Kieran. Kieran straightens, his jaw tightening. “Raven, what’s going on?” Damon asks, his tone authoritative. I roll my eyes. Stupid wolves. “She was just telling this asshole to get lost and never come back,” Eleanor chimes in, stepping up beside me. A low growl rumbles from Damon’s chest. “Show some respect, cat, or I’ll put you down myself,” he grits out. Eleanor lets out a soft growl of her own. “You may be the Alpha, and I may be part of this pack, but you don’t get to tell my mother what to do—especially when it doesn’t concern you,” she snaps. I don’t want her getting into trouble, but I hold Damon’s gaze. “I’m asking Kieran to leave. Now isn’t the time for this,” I say firmly. Kieran and Dane stand on opposite sides of Damon, but I have one last thing to say. “Here are the cakes for the ceremony. Take them and go,” I grind out. “And Alpha, if you ever speak to my daughter like that again, you’ll see exactly what a cat can do.” He stares at me, momentarily taken aback. I rarely let my anger spill over like this—and he knows it. He knew me before he left to train the packs. “Raven, I’m going to be the new Alpha soon. Please,” he says, as if that means a damn thing to me. I glance at Kieran and Dane. “Neither of you are welcome here when Sierra is around. You hear me?” My panther snarls, my fury barely contained. “I mean it. If you come in here and upset her, I’ll rip you apart myself.” “You can’t stop me from seeing my daughter,” Kieran says stubbornly. But before I can reply, the café door swings open again. The scent that fills the air makes my stomach drop. Kieran stiffens. Oh, hell. She’s pissed. Chapter 5 Raven "YEAH, SHE CAN," a voice snaps from behind him. I can tell she’s pissed. How the hell is she still standing after being awake for 24 hours? Kieran spins around, and his face goes pale when he sees the daughter he once knew. She’s no longer the little girl he left behind. Sierra glares at him, but before she can say anything, a low growl fills the room—"MATE." All of us turn to look at Damon. His eyes are locked onto Sierra. Oh, shit. This is not going to end well. Sierra meets his gaze briefly before striding towards Kieran and Dane, her face unreadable. “You need to back off,” she snarls. I can feel Aria trying to break through. The energy radiating from Sierra is overwhelming. Eleanor glances at her cousin and smirks. "Don't talk to—" Dane starts, but Sierra cuts him off with a guttural growl. Her eyes shift from their usual blue to a striking, glowing green. "You wouldn’t want to piss me off, brother." We all freeze, stunned. Eleanor and I have heard Aria and Sierra speak in unison before, but seeing it now is still something else. I glance at Damon, but he’s still fixated on Sierra—his mate. "What? You thought I wouldn't figure out who you are?" Sierra challenges Dane. "I recognized your scent at the station. You smell just like him." Then, she turns to Kieran. "And don’t think for a second that acting like the father I should have had is going to work. You abandoned me for ten years. So why the hell would I want you in my life now?" Kieran looks wounded. But what did he expect? I told him Sierra wanted nothing to do with him. She didn’t even know about Dane—let alone the sister she’s yet to meet. Sierra steps closer, eyes locked onto them both. Aria is close to the surface, her power amplified by Sierra’s rage. If we can feel it, I wonder if they can, too. "You’re going to listen, and you’re going to listen well," she says, voice deadly calm. "I don’t want anything to do with you or your new little family. You left me alone to survive for a decade, and guess what? I did just fine. If you ever come back, I’ll let my panther out. And trust me—she’s a hell of a lot less friendly than I am." She bares her teeth. "Now take whatever you came for and go." She strides between them and heads straight toward me. That’s when I realize—she’s still in her Minnie Mouse pajamas. She must have sensed him outside earlier. Damon hasn’t taken his eyes off her. Before anyone else can speak, Sierra turns to him. "Oh, and Alpha—I don’t want a mate." Damon lets out a deep growl. "You don’t mean that," he says, barely keeping himself and his wolf in check. Sierra shrugs. "Take it however you want. I’m only here for a few weeks, and then I’m gone." Damon stares at her, saying nothing, though the hurt in his eyes is obvious. I know why she doesn’t want a mate. There are memories—dark ones—she’d rather forget. She hates men in general, and honestly, I don’t blame her. The tension in the air is suffocating. After a long moment, I turn to Kieran and Dane. "I think you all should leave now," I say. "Oh, and don’t forget the cakes on your way out." Dane glances at me and offers a small, grateful smile, mouthing thank you. He looks like he wants to say more, but he doesn’t. Damon still hasn’t moved. He’s rooted in place, staring at Sierra. Dane finally pulls him toward the door, leading him outside to the waiting SUV. Kieran hesitates, looking like he wants to say something, but he just exhales sharply, grabs the boxes, and walks out. Eleanor holds the door open for him. Another SUV pulls up, and Kieran loads the boxes inside before climbing in. Within seconds, the vehicle disappears down the road. Dane lingers a moment longer, stepping back into the café for the last box. Sierra and I watch him from behind the counter. He stops at the door, glancing over his shoulder at us. "I know what our father did. I don’t condone it," he says. "But if possible, I’d like to get to know my older sister." Sierra lets out a low growl. Dane flinches slightly but keeps his gaze steady. "I’m sorry, Sierra," he murmurs before walking out. Eleanor shuts the door and turns back to us. "Well, cuz, I’m so glad you’re here," she teases with a smirk. Sierra walks up to her and smiles, pulling her into a hug. They both turn to look at me, but before either can speak— "How did you know?" I ask Sierra. She studies me for a second before answering. "I smelled his scent outside. It woke Aria up. But the rest? I’ve always known. I just never told you." She exhales sharply, her expression darkening. "I hate him even more now. He never came for me." The bitterness in her voice is unmistakable. I know she’s hurting. And I have no doubt that Kieran is a big reason why she refuses to accept her mate. "Well, let’s close up. You look like you should be in bed," I say with a chuckle. Sierra glances down at herself, and Eleanor notices too. They both start laughing. We move around the café, making sure everything is cleaned up—tables wiped down, chairs in their proper places, all the lights turned off. Sierra yawns. "You need rest," I tell her. She nods. "Let’s go home," she says before turning to Eleanor. "You coming? We could have one of our famous sleepovers." Eleanor grins but shakes her head. I know that’s not happening—Eleanor has a ceremony to attend with her mate. "I can’t, cuz. You need your beauty sleep," she teases. Sierra rolls her eyes, but Eleanor shoots me a knowing look. Don’t tell her about Caleb yet, Mom. I nod subtly. Eleanor only knows bits and pieces of why Sierra refuses to accept her mate, but she’s scared to tell her just yet. She has no idea how Sierra will react when she finds out. Sierra yawns again, making us laugh. "Come on, Sleeping Beauty. Time for bed," I say, leading her out of the café and toward home. Chapter 6 Damon I found my mate. But she wants nothing to do with me. I’m beyond pissed. Why doesn’t she want me? I glance at Kieran. His face is unreadable, but I know he’s hurting. He finally met his daughter, yet she rejected him outright. I don’t know the full story between them, but whatever it is, it’s bad. “I’m sorry, Damon,” he suddenly says, still staring ahead. When I turn to look at him, I notice a small, sad smile on his face. He doesn’t elaborate. “You okay, Kieran?” I ask, studying him. His expression remains blank, but I continue, “I just wanted to say sorry about what happened at the café.” He nods, and I can feel the guilt radiating off him. He’s deeply wounded. After a moment, he exhales heavily. “We need to see your father when we get back to the pack house,” he says. “But I have one request.” His voice is almost pleading. “Don’t tell him about Sierra being your mate just yet.” His words catch me off guard. Why wouldn’t he want me to tell my own father? Especially since my mate is his best friend’s daughter—well, his long-lost daughter. “Why, Kieran? He’d be happy that I found my mate,” I say, but the look on his face tells me there’s more to this than I understand. “He will be—once he knows she’s my daughter. But there are things you don’t know yet, and that’s why we need to talk to him first. We have to explain everything to you. It might help you understand why Sierra doesn’t want a mate,” he finally says. I stare at him, momentarily stunned, but I quickly regain my composure. “Alright, I won’t say anything. But Kieran… what happened to make her hate you so much?” I ask, immediately regretting it as soon as the words escape my mouth. His shame crashes over me like a tidal wave. “I hurt her mother in the worst way possible,” he confesses quietly. “And I never claimed her as my mate.” I’m speechless. “I’ll explain everything when we see your father,” he adds. I glance at the man who had trained me when my father was too busy. I grew close to his son, Dane, who’s now about to become my Beta, and his sister, Nova. They’ve been like siblings to me—we argue and fight just like real siblings do. Sierra would have made an impression on me if she’d been around. Even in those pajamas, she exuded a quiet strength. I couldn’t quite make out her figure, but I didn’t care. Those piercing blue eyes, the rich brown hair messily tied into a bun, and those soft pink lips—it all made me want her even more. When her panther stirred, her eyes glowed green, and I felt an immense power roll off her in waves. It was unnerving. There was more to her than I could see. Her emotions dictated the intensity of her energy, and at that moment, all I felt from her was pure rage. The car ride back to the pack house is quiet. It’s a long drive from town, and our driver is stuck behind another vehicle. Kieran stares out the window, lost in thought. I mind-link my father. “Hey, Dad, we’re on our way back with the cakes. There’s something you need to know. Sierra is back.” “Yeah, I heard,” my father replies gruffly. “Kieran went to see her. I take it that didn’t go well? I told him to give her a few days to settle in.” I sigh. “‘Didn’t go well’ is an understatement. She was furious. He wants the three of us to meet in your office to talk about it.” My father is silent for a beat before responding. “We need to talk. I think you should be there for all of this—you’ll be Alpha soon.” “Alright. We’ll be there in twenty minutes.” I stick to Kieran’s request and don’t mention to my father that Sierra is my mate. When we finally arrive at the pack house, we step out of the SUV. Caleb, my soon-to-be Gamma, is waiting nearby. I know why—his mate, Eleanor, nearly got herself ripped apart for disrespecting me. From the look on his face, he already knows. “Sorry about Eleanor, Alpha,” he says immediately. “She was just protecting her mother.” I nod. “I’ll apologize to her later.” He gives me a strange look. “You shouldn’t have to apologize. She’s still adjusting to our ways here. They lost their pack years ago and have been moving around ever since,” he explains, his gaze shifting past me to Kieran. “He shouldn’t have gone there,” he mutters. “I know most of what happened—Eleanor told me. It’s bad.” I stare at him, taken aback. “I’ll find out more when we talk to my father,” I say before shutting off the mind-link. Caleb nods and heads toward his house, where Eleanor is waiting. He probably misses her. Eleanor had mentioned wanting to tell Sierra something, but she wasn’t sure how her cousin would react—especially when it came to the subject of mates. There has to be a reason why she despises the idea of having one. A low growl rumbles in my head—my wolf, Cruz. “She’ll come around. We just need to take things slow with her.” I freeze. My wolf has been obsessed with finding our mate for years, but he’s never been this patient before. Normally, he’s possessive and restless. But now, he just wants what’s best for Sierra—even if that means taking our time. “What’s gotten into you? You’ve been quiet since you told me Sierra was our mate,” I ask him. Cruz is silent for a moment before sighing. “I’m being careful with her. Seeing her father after all these years made her angry. And her panther… she’s powerful. Her emotions fuel her strength, and I think her panther has her own feelings about this entire situation. We need to figure out what happened.” I nod. “You’re right, Cruz. Let’s find out exactly what we’re dealing with.” He chuckles before settling in the back of my mind, alert but waiting. Waiting to learn more about our mate. 😍Click to continue reading	LEARN_MORE	https://novel.tapread.com/overseas-h5/flow?pixelId	TapNovel	https://www.facebook.com/61570337432882/	81	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	novel.tapread.com	VIDEO		https://novel.tapread.com/overseas-h5/flow?pixelId=609517044808042&page_id=d630323f54a74acc89f4b658ebe616f0	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/480864428_479937098525128_5693800697194073643_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DfIwBNJS_o4Q7kNvgHxbvsn&_nc_oc=Adjd0Bk9bmmck7vqhEfRAYysuuezQT_6zQOWZ-WxlLClcKy9wQ96mz_7qh0ae39BFSvtugDaJWD4nHpMTh11SpXt&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=An1a0VAwW_Q6qHZz1Xgg63V&oh=00_AYBIRiNvk-FRvv_nBKQVWPHMcuU-MKXxX-bcpky5j1GMLw&oe=67C72CA8	PERSON_PROFILE	TapNovel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

Page 37 of 63, showing 20 record(s) out of 1,241 total

Download CSV New Ads

Search

Ads