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1,778,291	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778298}'	No	2024-05-08 18:36	active	760	1393706938000743	Click to Read More Chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> After winning yet another lawsuit, Jasmine Black was having a drink with her colleagues at the bar.<br /> <br /> She was hammered when she noticed her rival, Diego Cooper, sitting at the opposite table.<br /> <br /> Diego was a prominent lawyer worldwide. He was regarded as the industry's formidable devil. He had never once lost a case.<br /> <br /> He's also the bastard that Jasmine had pursued from high school until she graduated from university.<br /> <br /> She had pursued him for seven long years, yet he remained indifferent and heartless toward her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine abruptly sprang up from her seat and staggered toward Diego. With one flop, she sat straight on his lap.<br /> <br /> She grabbed his necktie with one hand while resting the other against his toned abs. <br /> <br /> "Diego Cooper… Have you become bad in bed?"<br /> <br /> Diego didn't stop her as he reclined against the back of the couch. Instead, he stared at her wordlessly.<br /> <br /> "You're not answering… So, does that mean… it's true?"<br /> <br /> Something flickered in his eyes as he quickly removed her hand. <br /> <br /> "Don't you care about your reputation anymore? All your colleagues are here." <br /> <br /> His deep voice was slightly hoarse.<br /> <br /> Their colleagues gaped at them in disbelief, impressed by Jasmine's bravery.<br /> <br /> "What reputation? I had mine ruined a long time ago because of you!" a drunk Jasmine grumbled before biting his neck.<br /> <br /> All her high school and university classmates knew she spent a lot of money to win Diego's heart, only to fail miserably in the end.<br /> <br /> After graduating from university, she was crestfallen and went abroad. She swore she would one day beat Diego in something he was best at.<br /> <br /> When she returned to the country six months ago, she was already a famous lawyer with a winning streak dating back to the beginning of her career.<br /> <br /> She was beginning to drawl.<br /> <br /> While wearing a frown, Diego pulled the back of her collar to create distance between them. <br /> <br /> His eyes were dark and indecipherable. <br /> <br /> "You've drank too much, Jasmine. Have someone take you home."<br /> <br /> "No! I want you to take me home!" <br /> <br /> She yanked his necktie. Her imperative tone sounded slightly coquettish.<br /> <br /> He removed her hands from his tie so he could loosen it. Then, he grabbed her by the arm before walking outside without saying a word.<br /> <br /> Their colleagues' eyes widened.<br /> <br /> Everyone in the legal and political world knew Jasmine and Diego were on bad terms. <br /> <br /> They tried to figure out the scene they had just witnessed.<br /> <br /> When they reached the car, Jasmine wrapped her arms around Diego's neck and planted a kiss on his neck, sending a slight tremor down his spine.<br /> <br /> He held her by the waist and shoved her away. <br /> <br /> "This is sexual harassment, Jasmine Black. Do you think I won't sue you for this?" <br /> <br /> His tone rose.<br /> <br /> "If you're really bad in bed, then forget it. I'll just find someone by the street to release my sexual frustration."<br /> <br /> She then ignored him and waved at a passing man. <br /> <br /> "Hey, hot guy! Wanna get a room together?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine seemed serious about the invitation.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression darkened as he watched her antics. He pressed her waving hand down and opened the car door to shove her in.<br /> <br /> Then, he drove the car back home.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jasmine woke up and turned her head stiffly. <br /> <br /> Diego was sitting next to her, smoking. He appeared laid-back.<br /> <br /> Despite his charming looks, he had a dominating and intimidating presence about him.<br /> <br /> The grogginess that clouded her mind disappeared in a heartbeat.<br /> <br /> Did she finally manage to have sex with him after almost seven years?<br /> <br /> "Morning, Mr. Cooper," she said.<br /> <br /> Jasmine propped herself up, returning to her professional composure as a lawyer.<br /> <br /> "Wash up. Someone will serve breakfast in a while." <br /> <br /> Diego discarded his cigarette into the ashtray. <br /> <br /> "I'll forgo it. I have a client to meet in the morning." <br /> <br /> Aloofness seeped into her voice.<br /> <br /> She lifted the sheets and was about to get out of bed when an idea crossed her mind. <br /> <br /> She suddenly grabbed her phone from the headboard, smiling mischievously. <br /> <br /> "How about a picture for memory's sake?"<br /> <br /> Before Diego could say anything, Jasmine quickly launched the camera app on her phone and lay her head against his sturdy chest.<br /> <br /> She flashed a triumphant smile, raised the phone high, and took a selfie of her and Diego.<br /> <br /> The picture was rather suggestive as they were naked and were only covered with a blanket. <br /> <br /> She sent it to her best friend alongside a voice message. <br /> <br /> "Becky Dobbs, tell those people to wire the money to me. I won the bet. Oh, and the payment should include ten years of interest."<br /> <br /> Since she had lost her reputation, she thought she should make some money to make up for it.<br /> <br /> The shrewd Diego caught the point of the message. <br /> <br /> He asked with a smirk, "The bet was about me?"<br /> <br /> Turning around, she plastered herself to his chest while drawing circles on his abs with her finger. She couldn't resist it.<br /> <br /> Jasmine looked at Diego with beady eyes. <br /> <br /> "Why are you so surprised? I thought you've known all this while. Oh, and about what happened last night, it was consensual. It was simply an adult game. You don't have to take any responsibility."<br /> <br /> She felt the years she spent pursuing him were a loop of disappointment and heartbreaks. Continuing to be his devoted admirer would be a foolish decision.<br /> <br /> Sleeping and then dumping Diego had always been on her wishlist.<br /> <br /> "You're wild, Ms. Black." <br /> <br /> Chuckling, he glanced at her and pushed her away.<br /> <br /> Due to his handsome looks, a mere glance from him was enough to paralyze her with a tingling sensation.<br /> <br /> Jasmine thought Diego was a bastard who was good at seducing.<br /> <br /> His push caused her to fall backward, but she managed to support herself with both palms on the bed.<br /> <br /> Her tress cascaded over her shoulders, revealing her exposed body and seductive curves. <br /> <br /> Jasmine had a stunning body.<br /> <br /> Diego's eyes studied her up and down. The fact that his heart skipped a beat made him frown.<br /> <br /> "Did you sleep with me because you might like me?" <br /> <br /> She casually brushed her slightly curled hair. Picking up her shirt and bra, she began to take her time to dress herself.<br /> <br /> "Do you think that's even possible?" <br /> <br /> He cast a cold glance at her.<br /> <br /> Diego's answer didn't surprise her one bit. Regardless, it didn't bother her because she was determined to be the one who dumped him this time.<br /> <br /> Right then, her phone began ringing from the flood of incoming messages. Jasmine checked her phone. They were from Becky. <br /> <br /> "Did you really sleep with Mr. Cooper? How? This is too sudden. You failed to take him down in those ten years, though." <br /> <br /> Becky was more excited than Jasmine was.<br /> <br /> Smiling, Jasmine quickly replied, "I'll feed you the details later."<br /> <br /> Diego's phone kept ringing as well. He grabbed it and opened his WhatsApp. <br /> <br /> His high school and university group chats exploded with texts. <br /> <br /> Everyone was mind-blown by the news. <br /> <br /> "Jasmine Black had sex with Diego Cooper?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine's body stiffened when she saw the message in the group chat. She didn't expect it to have such a huge impact.<br /> <br /> Fortunately, she was close with the people in the group chats. There were only about 30 people in each group, which wasn't many.<br /> <br /> She replied to the message, "It was just a one-night stand. Those who had made a bet with me—you know who you are—wire the money to me."<br /> <br /> Her response elicited a faint smile from Diego, but his eyes reflected coldness as he watched her.<br /> <br /> She glimpsed at him—that alone was enough to cause a chill to run down her spine.<br /> <br /> "I bet you can't sleep with him for a second time. I'm betting double the amount on this." <br /> <br /> Their university friends copied and pasted the exact message.<br /> <br /> The situation was crazy.<br /> <br /> "Not only can I sleep with him twice, but thrice. Players, be prepared with your money!" she texted back with gusto.<br /> <br /> Backing off? Not a chance! She'd never do that to embarrass herself.<br /> <br /> The smile on Diego's face widened, but he looked like he was going to devour her alive.<br /> <br /> His best friend, Jesse Taylor, sent a text message. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper sent a lawyer to prison a few days ago. Mark my words—it was a 20-year sentence! Good luck, Ms. Black."<br /> <br /> Jasmine read that message and looked at Diego, who began smoking on the bed again. She couldn't read his emotions because the cloud of smoke covered his features.<br /> <br /> Arching her brow, she replied to Jesse, "Oh really? I'm looking forward to the day when I meet Mr. Cooper in court."<br /> <br /> She then shifted her attention away from the chat, smiling and waving at Diego. <br /> <br /> "I should get going, Mr. Cooper. Thanks for the hard work last night. Get some rest."<br /> <br /> Despite his faint smile, Diego suddenly pinched the cigarette between his fingers.<br /> Chapter 2<br /> In the afternoon, Jasmine noticed Diego as soon as she entered the cafe.<br /> <br /> The surprise was brief as she immediately wore a professional smile. <br /> <br /> "What are the odds, Mr. Cooper?"<br /> <br /> "Zero. I'm simply granting your wish." <br /> <br /> Smiling, he placed his cup of coffee on the table before reclining on the couch with his legs crossed. <br /> <br /> "Wow… Thank you for your service?" <br /> <br /> She gladly took a seat opposite him.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's client was a university friend who was also in the group chat they shared. <br /> <br /> The case was about a prestigious family in the city that went bankrupt due to internal conflicts.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression remained the same. He didn't respond to her remarks either.<br /> <br /> "Be a man, Fabian Dawson. We divorced three years ago, and you want half of my money?" Daisy Freeman, dressed in a sexy red dress, growled at Fabian.<br /> <br /> "You've only managed to come this far because of the huge sum of money I spent on you. Don't you even feel guilty about it?" he questioned.<br /> <br /> Fabian needed the money to rise again.<br /> <br /> "Why must I—"<br /> <br /> Before Daisy could finish her thought, Jasmine crossed her legs and interrupted, "If you guys think a fight can get you somewhere, what's the use of hiring a lawyer?"<br /> <br /> The dispute stopped. <br /> <br /> Jasmine looked at Diego indifferently. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, as you know, although it was signed, the divorce agreement won't be effective as long as the divorce procedures have not proceeded. The law states that a divorced couple should split matrimonial assets in half. The same goes for the debts."<br /> <br /> Diego asked, "Mr. Dawson, is it true that you had an affair while still married and had sex with your mistress many times?"<br /> <br /> Fabian smirked and shook his leg, completely unbothered. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Jasmine turned to look at Fabian in surprise. He hadn't told her any of that.<br /> <br /> Fabian blurted, "Fuck! What kind of man—"<br /> <br /> Jasmine gave him a look and averted the question.<br /> <br /> "Evidence, Mr. Cooper?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine had clearly informed Fabian before this that the conversation would be recorded whenever the lawyers met. <br /> <br /> She wondered if he was out of his mind as he almost let this tongue slip.<br /> <br /> Daisy huffed, "I witnessed him get a room with a model."<br /> <br /> "Ms. Freeman, did Mr. Cooper not explain what evidence is?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine smiled, relieved at the thought that the other party didn't have proof.<br /> <br /> Fabian snorted. <br /> <br /> "I have a mistress? You're talking as though you don't have a boy toy. I also wonder how many businessmen you have slept with all these years."<br /> <br /> "It was after we signed the divorce agreement that I—" <br /> <br /> Diego glimpsed at the foolish Daisy before interrupting her, "Please show the evidence before you speak."<br /> <br /> As mentioned at the beginning of the conversation, the divorce agreement was null and void. How could Daisy admit that she had a boy toy? <br /> <br /> Was she trying to divorce without getting a single penny out of it? Diego thought Daisy was an idiot.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's judging eyes landed on Fabian, who knew that his wife had someone on the side but didn't gather any evidence about it.<br /> <br /> She massaged her forehead, fully aware of the road ahead.<br /> <br /> Diego questioned, "Mr. Dawson, you and my client have been living separately for three years. You didn't fulfill your duty as a husband. What have you been doing all these years?"<br /> <br /> "I—"<br /> <br /> Jasmine shrewdly replied, "He has been working hard to give Ms. Freeman a better life. However, his legal wife withholds the matrimonial assets. He doesn't have any money while going through a rough patch. Ultimately, his business announced its bankruptcy. If this case is brought to court, don't think of taking a single penny, Mr. Cooper."<br /> <br /> Diego retorted, "Is this a threat, Ms. Black? His bankruptcy has nothing to do with my client. You can look into it." <br /> <br /> He looked at Daisy, who also didn't share the information with him.<br /> <br /> This was the first time he was going against Jasmine at work, and it was a surprising case at that.<br /> <br /> "Speaking of, you can also look into this, Mr. Cooper. My client bought his wife multiple houses and luxury cars worth millions of dollars altogether. Ms. Freeman didn't fork up a single penny before and after his business went bankrupt.<br /> <br /> "Controlling the matrimonial assets, refusing to pay off shared debts, and having a male companion… Mr. Cooper, you and your client should seriously consider splitting the assets equally or taking this matter to court." <br /> <br /> Jasmine slightly leaned forward, smiling at Diego.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> "Before the divorce is settled, keep those women at arm's length. Don't give Diego or your wife any other ammunition. Also, eliminate any records, pictures, messages of hotel room bookings, and whatnot," Jasmine reminded Fabian while driving the car.<br /> <br /> "Got it." <br /> <br /> Fabian was deeply impressed by her. <br /> <br /> The thought of meeting Daisy to obtain funds was humiliating to him, but the way Jasmine bombarded the opposing party gave him confidence. <br /> <br /> He was all puffed up.<br /> <br /> "Is your wife living with her boy toy?" Jasmine inquired.<br /> <br /> "Yeah, it's been three years." <br /> <br /> He crossed his arms, snorting.<br /> <br /> "That's good news for us." <br /> <br /> She smirked as she suddenly pulled over by the road. <br /> <br /> "Get back home and install a surveillance camera at her place. Tell her that it's to… prevent burglary."<br /> <br /> "I don't think she'll let me in." <br /> <br /> The couple had been living separately for three years. Daisy had bought that mansion herself.<br /> <br /> "Idiot! You're still her husband on paper. Is it wrong to return to your home? Plus, she should currently be with Diego."<br /> <br /> "Alright, I'll go now." <br /> <br /> Fabian thought, "Don't blame me for this, Daisy. I've treated you so well and spent so much money on you. How could you be this cruel to me!"<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> That night, Jasmine received a call from Fabian after she finished showering. <br /> <br /> "Diego is going to sue me for bribing him!" <br /> <br /> His words came out in a rush.<br /> <br /> Jasmine rolled her eyes. <br /> <br /> "Well, did you do that?"<br /> <br /> "He called me at night and told me he found that model. I was so scared. I met him, hoping he would cut me some slack for old times' sake. I even gave him a check of one million dollars—"<br /> <br /> "You idiot! That's a trap! He could bring a woman over and accuse you of having slept with her before, but no one would buy it as long as he doesn't have evidence. <br /> <br /> "Oh Lord, someone like you will surely lose everything before you take the divorce case to the courthouse. An idiotic teammate is definitely more harmful than a powerful opponent." <br /> <br /> Jasmine crossed her arms and shook her head.<br /> <br /> "Yes, yes, yes, I'm an idiot. You gotta save me, Jasmine! That jerk, Diego, doesn't even care that we were once friends. Gosh, I'm livid!"<br /> <br /> "You can be sentenced up to 15 years for bribing a lawyer. It's almost impossible to be announced not guilty of this charge. How am I supposed to help you?"<br /> <br /> "W-Well, I don't mind going to prison. But the main thing is, your first loss will be because of Diego! Not only is your reputation at stake, but other lawyers and your friends will never let you live it down!" <br /> <br /> Fabian attempted to earn her pity.<br /> <br /> Jasmine paced back and forth in her room while reminding him seriously, "I repeat, do not meet your wife's lawyer without my presence. Think before you speak whenever you talk to her. Don't fall for her schemes. Got it?"<br /> <br /> "I'll keep that in mind. But how are you going to—" <br /> <br /> He was about to ask her about the possible bribery lawsuit, but the call was terminated.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jasmine headed to Cooper, Taylor & Associates.<br /> <br /> The receptionist asked, "Ms. Black, what—" <br /> <br /> "I'm Mr. Cooper's girlfriend," blurted Jasmine without stopping in her tracks.<br /> <br /> The employees were stunned to see her there. Rumors about her and Diego had been circling within the law firm for the past two days.<br /> <br /> She read the sign on the door before knocking and opening it without waiting for Diego's signal.<br /> <br /> Diego, who was reading some documents, looked up at her expressionlessly.<br /> <br /> "Is there anything, Ms. Black?" <br /> <br /> He sounded aloof.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's hair was let loose over her black professional attire. Her three-inch black high heels were supposed to add more professionalism to her appearance, but it made her look alluring instead.<br /> <br /> She walked up next to him before flopping onto his office table seductively. With one hand, she easily grabbed his necktie.<br /> <br /> "Giving me the cold treatment already? We just slept together two days ago, though."<br /> Chapter 3<br /> Diego snatched back his tie from Jasmine's hands while chuckling. <br /> <br /> "You must be here because of Fabian's bribery."<br /> <br /> "Of course not. I'm here to… talk about our relationship, not work." <br /> <br /> She pulled at his necktie again, playing with it while faking a smile. <br /> <br /> "You want me to sleep with you again? So you can brag about it in the group and rake in big money?" <br /> <br /> He slapped her hand away.<br /> <br /> He crossed his arms to lean against the back of his chair and arched a brow at her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine slid down from the table to sit on his lap. The transition she made was smooth.<br /> <br /> Her warm breath brushed against his ears as she giggled. <br /> <br /> "Honestly, I was too drunk to remember what happened that night. I kind of want to relive it again…"<br /> <br /> Diego's ears turned red. He pushed Jasmine and stared at her. He thought she was shameless. <br /> <br /> "Uphold your dignity, Jasmine Black."<br /> <br /> "I've misplaced it. Mind finding it for me?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine rested against his chest lazily. <br /> <br /> Her finger traced along his perfect neckline. <br /> <br /> "I never knew that you were this pretentious, Mr. Cooper. You were so mean that night, as if it was your first time seeing a woman. Why are you pretending to be free from lust now?"<br /> <br /> The cheeky movement of her finger gave him a faint jolt of electricity, and he slapped her hand away. <br /> <br /> "What are you trying to imply right now? Who was the one who said that it was a mere game so heartlessly that day?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine wished she could slap herself—no, Fabian—at this moment. She felt that it was all that idiot's fault.<br /> <br /> Had it not been for him, she wouldn't have needed to flatter Diego.<br /> <br /> "Why take it to the heart when those were mere heartless words? Since we've slept together, why don't we just date?" <br /> <br /> She took shamelessness to a whole new level.<br /> <br /> "Sorry, but I don't date heartless people. Torturing myself is not my thing." <br /> <br /> Diego shoved Jasmine off his lap.<br /> <br /> Jasmine gnashed her teeth in rage. How dare he claim that dating her was torture!<br /> <br /> It took everything in her to build up her reputation and the confidence to stand before him with pride.<br /> <br /> But why must she debase herself for him again?<br /> <br /> She thought Diego was one merciless and stubborn man.<br /> <br /> Given her pretty looks, voluptuous body, elite profession, and background, men lined up to be her partner.<br /> <br /> Yet, she had to work hard to wear him down.<br /> <br /> She stood up straight and massaged her forehead to regain her cool momentarily. <br /> <br /> Then, she made a graceful turn and crossed her arms, smiling. <br /> <br /> "Are you sure you want that, jerk?"<br /> <br /> Diego ignored her and pressed a button on his landline. <br /> <br /> "Callie, come in and escort Ms. Black to make payment."<br /> <br /> He pointed and glanced at the door. <br /> <br /> "Ms. Black, I charge ten thousand dollars per consultation hour. Please make the payment outside."<br /> <br /> She nodded before suddenly removing and tossing her black coat onto his table. She strode toward the door while unbuttoning her shirt and ruffling her hair. <br /> <br /> "It's only ten thousand dollars. Don't worry. I will pay and ask your secretary to… buy something."<br /> <br /> Diego finally showed traces of uneasiness at her actions. He sprang up from his seat and ran over to the door.<br /> <br /> When she opened the door, he quickly slammed it shut again by caging her against it. <br /> <br /> His eyelids fluttered at the pleasing view before him, and he looked away. <br /> <br /> "Why are you here?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine scanned the office, concerned that he would record the conversation secretly. After all, no one knew what he had up his sleeves, considering how cautious he was.<br /> <br /> Daisy was at a disadvantage, which was why Diego set Fabian up. <br /> <br /> If Jasmine fell for Diego's trap, too, she would lose the case and be sent to prison. She would be the joke of the century if that came to pass.<br /> <br /> "I'm here to talk about us." <br /> <br /> She flashed him a smile, attempting to have him wrapped around her finger first.<br /> <br /> Right then, the door suddenly opened. Callie turned her head only to see the duo engaged in an intimate scene. Her jaw almost fell to the floor.<br /> <br /> Diego, who wielded impactful influence in the political and business worlds, always prioritized work over anything else.<br /> <br /> His methods were ruthless and shrewd. Nothing could make him bat an eye, not even a murder.<br /> <br /> On the subject of chivalry and love, he didn't have the emotional intelligence for either of those.<br /> <br /> Callie couldn't believe what she was witnessing.<br /> <br /> "Get out," Diego instructed Callie.<br /> <br /> "Y-Yes. Don't worry, Mr. Cooper. I saw absolutely nothing." <br /> <br /> Callie covered her eyes.<br /> <br /> When he was about to close the door, Jasmine deliberately called out to her. <br /> <br /> "Don't leave so quickly. Could you help us buy something we really need right now?"<br /> <br /> She gave her a meaningful look. <br /> <br /> "Huh?" <br /> <br /> The baffled expression on Callie's face gave way to shock and awkwardness once she comprehended the situation. <br /> <br /> "S-Sure. I'll go right now." <br /> <br /> She slid out of the door and closed it.<br /> <br /> Jasmine chuckled. <br /> <br /> "Your secretary is sensible and funny."<br /> <br /> Diego pulled away from her to get her coat. A crease knitted between his brows. <br /> <br /> "Enough fooling around. Are you going to leave dressed or naked? If you want the latter, I'm happy to lend you a helping hand."<br /> <br /> "Try me." <br /> <br /> She cocked her brow as she didn't believe Diego's words.<br /> <br /> As soon as she finished speaking, Diego threw the coat to one side and stripped her of her shirt.<br /> <br /> Before she could react, he pulled her into his arms and trailed his fingers on her back.<br /> <br /> Completely flustered, she covered her chest. <br /> <br /> "What are you doing, jerk? Do you think you're the only one with guts here?"<br /> <br /> She became agitated and caught the secret pin of his belt and pressed it. The belt dangled in midair. <br /> <br /> Something dark was churning in his eyes as he stared at her.<br /> <br /> Right then, a knock resounded on the door, and the doorknob twisted.<br /> <br /> Before the person could open the door, Diego pushed back against it. <br /> <br /> "Don't come in!"<br /> <br /> He withdrew his hand to wear his belt. <br /> <br /> "Get dressed already!"<br /> <br /> "I thought you wanted me to leave naked. Why are you stopping me now? Because you don't want others to see?"<br /> Chapter 4<br /> Diego was rendered speechless. He gave Jasmine a cold look before returning to his table to bury himself in the documents, ignoring her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine swiftly dressed herself and opened the door to leave. <br /> <br /> But Jesse Taylor—their old friend—was holding some documents by the door.<br /> <br /> He arched his brows at her. <br /> <br /> "Why didn't you let me in? What… were you guys doing in there?"<br /> <br /> "Take a guess." <br /> <br /> Jasmine put on a serious face while brushing her hair. <br /> <br /> "Did you sleep with him again? I will only pay when I see the proof!"<br /> <br /> "Knock on the door at the right time next time." <br /> <br /> She said that intentionally before leaving.<br /> <br /> Diego raised his head to watch her leave. Her antics frustrated him.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Jasmine returned to her office in the afternoon. <br /> <br /> An offer came in. It was a request for her to represent a huge company. She would be paid handsomely for the job.<br /> <br /> When the boss left, Fabian, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately entered her office. <br /> <br /> "Be honest with me. How much do you earn annually? You have so many clients."<br /> <br /> "Have you installed the surveillance camera?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine watered the orchids in her office nonchalantly. She thought it was a bad idea to reveal her income to outsiders.<br /> <br /> "I've done it. But Daisy's boy toy hasn't visited her mansion for two days. I bet Diego has reminded her about it."<br /> <br /> "There's no rush in this." <br /> <br /> Jasmine was calm.<br /> <br /> "Do you have any solutions to resolve the bribery incident?" Fabian asked concernedly.<br /> <br /> She fell silent.<br /> <br /> Diego had the evidence that could prove Fabian's bribery attempt, but he didn't file a lawsuit for it.<br /> <br /> She wondered what Diego was up to. Was he trying to play with her more?<br /> <br /> If so, she didn't mind joining the game.<br /> <br /> "I'll buy us some time for now. Didn't you say that your wife slept with other men?"<br /> <br /> "I'm very sure about it. I ran into her a few times when she was having a meal with different businessmen. From the look in their eyes, I knew there was something going on between them. I wouldn't have married her if I had known she was this kind of woman!"<br /> <br /> "Hire a reliable private investigator. It'll be best to have pictures of her having an affair with another man," Jasmine stated.<br /> <br /> With such evidence, she could negotiate with Diego to reclaim the evidence of Fabian's bribery attempt.<br /> <br /> If Diego still refuses to compromise, she'd need to see him in court first for the bribery case.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Diego and Jesse were enjoying their time in the bar at night.<br /> <br /> A woman in a white strap dress showed up. Her makeup was light, and she let her hair loose. She looked stunning.<br /> <br /> The woman walked toward them, and Diego noticed.<br /> <br /> "What a coincidence! Are you guys here for a drink, too?" <br /> <br /> Although there was an empty seat beside Diego, Jasmine chose to sit next to Jesse.<br /> <br /> "You look like a doll today… Are you trying to seduce Mr. Cooper again?" <br /> <br /> Jesse grinned. <br /> <br /> Jasmine ordered a bottle of whiskey from the barista and filled half of her glass with it. <br /> <br /> After taking a sip, she deliberately hung her arm over his shoulders with a smile. <br /> <br /> "I think you're hot, too. You're also funny and nice."<br /> <br /> Diego glanced at her and took a sip of his drink. <br /> <br /> "Jesse, do you know why callous people can appear flirty?" <br /> <br /> He looked serious.<br /> <br /> Jasmine almost choked over her drink. He was chiding her once again.<br /> <br /> She thought he was a jerk for doing so.<br /> <br /> "Because they flirt with different people?" <br /> <br /> Jesse was flabbergasted. <br /> <br /> "Why the question all of a sudden?"<br /> <br /> Sometimes, Jesse swore that he couldn't follow Diego's thoughts.<br /> <br /> "That's right. We should never stoop to that level." <br /> <br /> Diego's tone remained serious.<br /> <br /> Jasmine felt he was being pretentious. <br /> <br /> People might have perceived him as a righteous man, but he was rotten on the inside.<br /> <br /> She sighed.<br /> <br /> "I guess people can stoop that low sometimes." <br /> <br /> She flashed a smile at him while propping her chin on her hand, and he arched his brow in response.<br /> <br /> Jesse choked on his drink and spilled alcohol all over. <br /> <br /> Her face flushed red. It seemed like she had lost this time. <br /> <br /> Agitated, she kicked his shin with her heels and shoved him away.<br /> <br /> Then, she walked over to Diego's seat, bending over to lift his chin and bite his lips.<br /> <br /> Her posture exerted dominance. It was as if a lady boss was forcing a kiss on her submissive boyfriend. <br /> <br /> His expression darkened. He was about to push her away when she pulled herself from him. <br /> <br /> She crossed her arms, satisfied with the mark she left on his lips. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, please lay the evidence on the table before you speak. If you spout nonsense, I will have to—"<br /> <br /> Halfway through her declaration, he suddenly stood up and towered over her. <br /> <br /> Grabbing her by the waist, Diego pinned her against the counter and bit Jasmine's lips back.<br /> <br /> She moaned in pain.<br /> <br /> Before Jasmine could hit Diego, he withdrew and placed his hands behind his back. <br /> <br /> She massaged her hurting waist and touched her lips, which were bleeding because of his bite.<br /> <br /> Her opinion of him being a jerk strengthened. <br /> <br /> She was so annoyed that she barked a laugh. <br /> <br /> "Diego Cooper, I will make you kneel and beg for mercy one day!" <br /> <br /> "Is that so?" <br /> <br /> He chuckled.<br /> <br /> "I swear to God!" Jasmine waged a challenge.<br /> <br /> He smiled faintly while watching her.<br /> <br /> A thrilled Jesse was grinning ear-to-ear. <br /> <br /> "Holy moly, you're going to make him kneel and beg for mercy? You have guts, Ms. Black! But… I love it! I'm betting ten thousand dollars!"<br /> <br /> He would love to see Diego do that. After all, Diego had always been the epitome of arrogance.<br /> <br /> Jesse quickly repeated Jasmine's words in the group chat, which sent everyone wild. <br /> <br /> Such bliss should be shared for the greater good.<br /> <br /> Everyone in the group chat began placing their bets, and her phone kept ringing from the influx of messages.<br /> <br /> She checked the notifications and rolled her eyes at Jesse. <br /> <br /> "Wow, thanks."<br /> <br /> "My pleasure. The more, the merrier, right?" <br /> <br /> He grinned sheepishly while brushing the tip of his nose.<br /> <br /> Jasmine filled her glass and downed it all to regain her composure. Then, she headed to the restroom. <br /> <br /> Some suspicious men were following her from behind.<br /> <br /> When they reached the corridor to the restroom, someone said to her, "Jasmine Black from Black, Murphy & Associates?"<br /> <br /> She spun around and questioned the six sceptical-looking men, "Who are you working for?"<br /> <br /> "That's none of your business. Anyway, someone wants you crippled to ruin your career," said the leading man with red hair. <br /> <br /> He brandished the metal bar from his shirt and signaled his men to charge at her. They were all holding the same weapon.<br /> <br /> "Fuck. You've just underestimated me there."<br /> Chapter 5<br /> The six suspicious-looking men had approached her at the right time.<br /> <br /> Jasmine coincidentally needed to vent her frustrations.<br /> <br /> She warmed up her legs before suddenly kicking the red-haired guy, sending him flying and landing on three other men.<br /> <br /> A few minutes later, Diego, who also had to use the restroom, noticed a bunch of guys surrounding Jasmine. <br /> <br /> An icy, intimidating air emanated from her.<br /> <br /> He joined the fray, easily taking down those men with a few punches and kicks. The blows he dealt were clean-cut.<br /> <br /> He might appear to be a level-headed and calm person, but his combat skills were fatal.<br /> <br /> "Who are you working for?" Diego interrogated while stepping on one of the men's faces.<br /> <br /> "It's…" <br /> <br /> The man had an idea and lied, "It's Mrs. Cannon from Cannon Group! Ms. Black sent her husband to prison, so she wanted us to teach Ms. Black a lesson."<br /> <br /> "Jesse, call the cops." <br /> <br /> Diego kicked the man and approached Jasmine. <br /> <br /> "Are you alright?"<br /> <br /> A quick-witted Jasmine clutched her abdomen, feigning pain. <br /> <br /> "They hit my stomach with a stick. It hurts…" <br /> <br /> Diego wordlessly scooped her up and headed outside. Jasmine was very confused. <br /> <br /> She wondered if he was worried about her, even though he said she was heartless and kept angering her.<br /> <br /> She considered if he was suffering from dissociative identity disorder.<br /> <br /> Jesse called to them, "Hey! Are you leaving so soon? Why am I cleaning up the mess for you guys again?"<br /> <br /> However, the ungrateful duo didn't respond to him.<br /> <br /> In the car, Diego asked, "Do you want to go to the hospital?"<br /> <br /> Hugging his neck, Jasmine leaned her head to rest on his shoulder. She stifled the urge to grin while continuing her act. <br /> <br /> "It's fine. Do you have medicine at home? You can help me tend to my wounds."<br /> <br /> "I'll send you back to your place then." <br /> <br /> He removed her hands so that she could be seated properly.<br /> <br /> "No! I want to go to your place!" <br /> <br /> She plastered herself to him, whining.<br /> <br /> Diego pushed her away and cupped Jasmine's face. <br /> <br /> "You said it was a game. Is my place a playground, then? A place you can come and go whenever you want?" <br /> <br /> "I wanna go!" <br /> <br /> She slapped off his hand and snorted.<br /> <br /> She was going to make this man fall for her one day.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jesse returned to Diego's office from the police station.<br /> <br /> "Did the cops look into it? Was it Mrs. Cannon?" inquired Diego.<br /> <br /> "Not her, but your client, Daisy Freeman." <br /> <br /> Jesse delved his hands into his pockets, smiling.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression darkened.<br /> <br /> "If Jasmine finds out it's Daisy behind this, she'll surely sue her. So, I called Jasmine and told her it was Mrs. Cannon's doing."<br /> <br /> Diego didn't respond. Instead, he contacted Daisy to arrange a meeting at his office.<br /> <br /> After the call ended, Jesse asked, "Are you still not going to file a lawsuit against Fabian? No one can ever escape from the charges of bribing a lawyer. Besides, if you file the lawsuit now, you won't have to meet Jasmine in court after that."<br /> <br /> "It's none of your business." <br /> <br /> Diego took a sip of his coffee.<br /> <br /> "This is not like you. Have you fallen for her after sleeping with her?" Jesse teased.<br /> <br /> "You must be blind," Diego retorted.<br /> <br /> "Then, why don't you want to close this divorce case as soon as possible?"<br /> <br /> "Can't I toy with her for a while longer? Look how arrogant she is." <br /> <br /> As Jasmine had said, this was simply a game. It wouldn't hurt to play along with her, would it?<br /> <br /> "Fine. But do not lose the case because of this game. I've seen how Jasmine defended her client in court several times before. She was sharp, quick-witted, and intimidating. She finished asking her questions before the opposing lawyer could react."<br /> <br /> "Do you think that I'll lose to her?" <br /> <br /> Diego cocked his brow.<br /> <br /> "What if you're blinded by love?"<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Daisy intentionally chose a tight black dress with a deep neckline to wear to Cooper, Taylor & Associates. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, why did you call for me?" <br /> <br /> Her sexy gait carried her to his table.<br /> <br /> She had the nerve to rest her hand on his shoulder before sliding it down to his chest.<br /> <br /> Her beauty gave her the confidence to take down any man.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Diego stood up and choked her, dragging her all the way to the floor-to-ceiling window.<br /> <br /> He was forced half of her body to hang out of the window.<br /> <br /> "First of all, I'll cut your hands off if you touch me again. Secondly, I'll send you straight to prison the next time you hire someone to hurt Jasmine. You won't be able to get a single penny out of your divorce!"<br /> <br /> Daisy coughed while trying to pry his hand away.<br /> <br /> Looking at his menacing expression was already intimidating enough. When she turned her head to gaze down at the dizzying height, fear gripped her.<br /> <br /> They were on the 118th floor.<br /> <br /> "I-I won't do it again…"<br /> <br /> Only then did he lift her up and throw her to a corner. <br /> <br /> "You better see to that."<br /> <br /> The heels Daisy wore were so high that she almost lost her balance and fell. <br /> <br /> She clenched her fists and tried to regain her composure. <br /> <br /> "Why are you taking her side?" <br /> <br /> She couldn't help the question.<br /> <br /> Diego wiped his hand, which had touched her, with a few pieces of tissue paper. <br /> <br /> He spun around, pinning her with his sharp gaze. <br /> <br /> "If my reputation is ruined, will you compensate for it?"<br /> <br /> Daisy initially assumed that Diego had feelings for Jasmine. It turned out that he was simply trying to defend his reputation.<br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, are you confident that we can win this case? I don't want to split my assets into half for that guy without a valid reason."<br /> <br /> Over the last two days, Daisy had looked into Jasmine. <br /> <br /> Jasmine accepted various high-profile cases. She was even the defense attorney for a death-row prisoner, who was then released without charges.<br /> <br /> Diego may be able to send an innocent person to jail, but Jasmine could get a prisoner off death row.<br /> <br /> That was why Daisy was worried about seeing Jasmine in court.<br /> <br /> "With me, all I ask is whether you want to win or not because I will certainly win it." <br /> <br /> He spared Daisy a cold glance before returning to his seat.<br /> <br /> Daisy didn't say anything further and left.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Jasmine and her assistant, Addison, were on their way to the courthouse together.<br /> <br /> "Ms. Black, don't you think the plaintiff is pitiful? His daughter needs the money to receive treatment. If he loses the case and is unable to receive insurance for compensation, what's gonna happen to her?" asked Addison.<br /> <br /> As Jasmine crossed her legs, she shifted her attention from the documents in her hands to give him a brief look. <br /> <br /> "Having faith in your client and giving them the greatest advantage is the basic principle of a lawyer."	LEARN_MORE	https://enjoyae.com/wf_land_page/12119.html?langua	102579799309506	Webfic-love	https://facebook.com/100086745850436	2,071	1	3,542,979,642,514,822	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Webfic-love	120209576361410382	enjoyae.com	NONE	image	Diego was a prominent lawyer worldwide. He was regarded as the industry's formidable devil. He had never once lost a case.	https://enjoyae.com/wf_land_page/12119.html?language=en&timestamp=1715168570680&channelCode=WIENF1000147&bid=21000205576&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-05-08 06:54	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441981191_953247616337589_6572300550413461072_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dg--Af0ixp8Q7kNvgG-NkWi&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAyzS8lgUplu3Wz8GBh7RRsWqlFXtYYl1W3nEMQ_HErKg&oe=6641CA33	person_profile	Webfic-love	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438171013_370887312040520_7633794396839641211_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yfanvPIOS1wQ7kNvgEL3S9s&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAEu0OT1O4K_59joK5M8WsdkA4e0KoHOtCjHglG3iwoIQ&oe=6641C194	3	Webfic-love	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,815	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778800}'	No	2024-05-08 18:43	active	760	761388285828009	4.8/5 Rated ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	"Back feels so much better immediately upon putting it on. Tighten it up and keep it on a few hours. It makes a huge difference in my day and in my life. Can't say enough good things about it. Just GREAT"<br /> <br /> ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Catherine H. USA<br /> <br /> Fix your sciatica & back pain with this simple device!<br /> <br /> ✅Eliminate sciatica & back pain the healthy way (no more painkillers)<br /> ✅Avoid expensive chiropractor bills<br /> ✅Flexible and non-slip unlike other hip belts<br /> <br /> 50% off all today's orders!<br /> <br /> Get Yours Now👇<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdainelylab.com%2Fbelt&h=AT1-C41Y7AvkXD_3afW_nZAVtD9hjxRyTJsJn1Ca-JYY_dYfWzSRxM-dRBTCiVnl1r3bZOusiMx5mPgh19U_-MMhJwQ_Nx97xaI27XmSpuo3gN2j3w6DgxJ7vLPbSDX_msbyhwoU-U2lGw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://dainelylab.com/belt</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://dainelylab.com/products/back-belt	106537275405242	Dainely Devices	https://facebook.com/dainely.devices	23,708	3	418,946,160,927,707	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop now	Dainely Devices	120209105838250373	dainelylab.com	NONE	video	50% Off Sale Ends Today!	https://dainelylab.com/products/back-belt	2024-05-08 01:31	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441307953_1564588280765856_483793780181752247_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Fcci5aQrRQ4Q7kNvgFsVj-r&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBnscIuaW_B6W5UTJHt6MAGOrlHVnrEJcyrW6Y21oF1eg&oe=6641D75B	person_profile	Dainely Devices	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441235566_951469699803329_2444296286907993390_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EAW54g7YZpQQ7kNvgGYVNmv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDsGneR9DBvm0ctCis247b9FBPYtMgYhU7o3Kd9Tfkj3g&oe=6641C10E	3	Dainely Devices	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,854	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778855}'	No	2024-05-08 18:43	active	760	1120432615856473	Over 50% OFF Summer Sale	A child's first swim can be a nerve-racking moment for any parent. 🩵<br /> <br /> Start Swimming Safely with the Swimee™ Floating Swimsuit! 🏊‍♂️ (Save Over 50%)<br /> <br /> Why choose the Swimee™ Floating Swimsuit?<br /> 🌊 Built-in floaties ensure safety in the water<br /> 👶 Perfect for little ones learning to swim<br /> ☀️ Enjoy built in 50+ SPF sun protection<br /> 🌿 Crafted with quality for comfort and durability<br /> 🎉 Watch your child's confidence soar in the pool!	SHOP_NOW	https://serenebands.com/products/the-swimee	192295597311286	ShopSerene	https://facebook.com/61556323456660	6	1	984,094,766,067,729	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop now	ShopSerene	120208329621050508	serenebands.com	NONE	video		https://serenebands.com/products/the-swimee	2024-05-08 01:20	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442378421_1762477627613312_3075187939029183333_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zYnrLDlHQXQQ7kNvgGKICKq&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBN8xEQNVXwJ2kJLDs4_gQdITuNBIU5zTsuqaCY5mGSYg&oe=6641C42B	person_profile	ShopSerene	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440960769_1359991261363010_587798460813770447_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=J6zNh29VN9sQ7kNvgGeKXo-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCjeyx7Z0wnVLJPeCvmrGxkBlEVn87kZrEsC-kYWiTIXQ&oe=6641E2CA	3	ShopSerene	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,188	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778372}'	No	2024-05-08 18:35	active	760	805045428240235	Click to READ more 👉👉 Title: Surrogate for Alpha Dom	“I’m sorry Ella.” My physician says gently. “I’m afraid you have very few viable eggs remaining. Frankly, I normally see these numbers in women ten or fifteen years your senior.”<br /> <br /> “What?” I murmur, not believing my ears. I’ve been trying to get pregnant for years. I’m only 30, I should have plenty of eggs left.<br /> <br /> “In terms of fertility, you have very little time left.” She continues. “If you want to conceive, you need to do so before your next cycle begins.”<br /> <br /> “My next cycle?” I repeat, my mouth hanging open in shock. I love kids more than anything, and though it might not be everyone’s ambition, I want nothing more than to be a mother.<br /> <br /> I have to get home and tell my boyfriend this news, and there’s not a moment to waste.<br /> <br /> I make it home in record time, bursting through the door and opening my mouth to call for Mike, but stopping dead in my tracks. As soon as I walk inside I see a pair of high heels and a handbag by the door – neither of which belong to me.<br /> <br /> I cock my ears towards the bedroom, and my stomach churns when I hear the unmistakable sound of moaning, accompanied by a steady thump thump thump, as the bed collides with the wall. Worse even than realizing that Mike is clearly in there with another woman, is realizing who he’s with. I know that handbag, and I know those shoes – they belong to my best friend, Kate. <br /> <br /> “Fuck, Ella is so stupid.” Mike laughs, “can you believe she actually expects me to have a baby with her?”<br /> <br /> Kate snorts, “she’s delusional. I don’t know how you put up with her for so long in the first place.”<br /> <br /> “If she wasn’t so beautiful I never would have given her the time of day.” Mike scoffs. “Thankfully daily doses of plan B kept her from ever conceiving.”<br /> <br /> “The morning after pill?” Kate asks, “how did you manage to give it to her without her realizing?”<br /> <br /> “I put it in her morning coffee.” Mike chortles, sounding far too proud of himself. <br /> <br /> My vision goes completely red as everything finally falls into place. Suddenly it’s clear why I’ve never been able to get pregnant, despite having unprotected sex multiple times a week for years. It’s even clear how I could have the eggs of a 45-year-old, if my despicable partner has been secretly feeding me emergency contraceptives every day – there’s no telling what other damage that might have done to my reproductive system. <br /> <br /> Before I can think better of it, I pull the smoke alarm on the wall, wanting to frighten and punish the pair in the bedroom so fiercely that I fear I might attack them when they emerge. Water immediately sprays down from the sprinkler system mounted to the ceiling as a shrill siren fills the air, and I hear Mike and Kate cry out in surprise. <br /> <br /> A few moments later they come rushing out of the bedroom, stopping in their tracks when they see me looming in the doorway. Mike’s eyes go comically wide, “What are you doing home so early?” The snake has the nerve to sound affronted that I surprised him, when he’s the one who’s been sneaking around behind my back for God knows how long. He seems to realize how suspicious it looks that he and Kate are standing there in their underwear and quickly adds, “Kate came to see me so we could plan a surprise for your birthday, but then we spilled coffee all over our clothes so we had to change.”<br /> <br /> Fire blazes in my veins, he must truly believe I’m an idiot if he expects me to buy such a feeble excuse. <br /> <br /> It’s a testament to their horrifically low opinion of me that they buy my act, and I vow to get my revenge one way or another. I can’t believe I wasted so many years – my best years – on this scumbag. And now he may have cost me my future too. As soon as the thought enters my head, I know I can’t afford to waste another moment on Mike, I have more important things to take care of. <br /> <br /> I make my excuses and rush across town for the second time that afternoon, running to the comforting arms of my surrogate sister, Cora. Not only did we grow up together in the orphanage, but she became an OBGYN and now works for the most exclusive sperm bank in the city. I’ve never gone to her before because I always imagined Mike and I would eventually conceive the natural way, but that clearly isn’t an option anymore. <br /> <br /> Even if I could find a man willing to have a baby with me in time, I’m not eager to trust anyone after Mike’s betrayal. I’m going to have to do this on my own, and I know Cora can help me. I don’t have much money, but I have enough savings to pay for the insemination, especially since I basically have one shot and one shot only. <br /> <br /> When I arrive, all my plans to lay out my situation for Cora clearly and concisely go out the window, because the moment I see my sister I fall to pieces. She hugs and kisses me until my tears subside, slowly extracting the story from me piece by piece. When she hears about Mike and Kate she swears up a storm, but that’s nothing compared to her reaction when I explain about my fertility. <br /> <br /> “That little shit! I’ll kill him!” She fumes, studying me with a worried expression. “Ella, if your doctor was right this means you only have one chance to conceive.”<br /> <br /> “I know.” I sniffle. “And if this is going to be my only baby, I don’t want to take any chances. I want the best donor we can find.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t you worry about that.” Cora assures me, “We’ve got donations from actors, models, scientists – it’s only the creme de la creme here.” She glances at the door and lowers her voice. “You didn’t hear it from me, but even Dominic Sinclair sent his samples here for testing.”<br /> <br /> “Dominic Sinclair? I repeat, “the billionaire?” I’ve seen the man around town, but we don’t exactly run in the same circles. He lives in the same neighborhood as my wealthy employer and often says hello to the children I nanny, but he’s always surrounded by bodyguards and is so intimidating I get goosebumps just thinking about him. <br /> <br /> “Oh my god!.” Cora slaps her hand over her mouth. “I wasn’t supposed to tell you that! I don’t know what I was thinking. Apparently he’s no stranger to fertility issues himself, and he trusted us to handle his swimmers over every other lab in the country. I’ve got his sperm in the other room at this very moment.” She frets, “But Ella you can’t tell anyone, you have to promise me.”<br /> <br /> “Of course!” I agree immediately. “I know how important confidentiality is here.”<br /> <br /> “Thank you,” Cora breathes. “Now, I’m going to give you a dossier of our clients so you can pick a donor, and once you’ve chosen we’ll get you knocked up before you can even blink.” <br /> <br /> It’s not an easy decision, but eventually I choose a handsome surgeon whose photo practically makes me swoon. Cora leaves the room only long enough to prepare the sample, and though she looks a bit flustered when she returns, she quickly and professionally completes the insemination, holding my hand when the procedure is finished. “It’s all take care of now, Ella.” She promises, “You can come back in ten days to see if it worked.”<br /> <br /> Ten days. I think dazedly. Ten days to decide my entire future.<br /> <br /> If only I’d known that by the time those ten days were up, my future would no longer belong to me – but to Dominic Sinclair himself. <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 - Be Fired<br /> <br /> Ella<br /> <br /> Six days to go. I think, staring at the date circled on my calendar. Six days until I find out if my dreams are finally going to come true… or if I have to figure out an entirely different plan for my life. <br /> <br /> I’ve thought about nothing else since Cora inseminated me last week, I’m so anxious to find out if I’m pregnant I haven’t even begun to process Mike’s betrayal. <br /> <br /> I’m trying to keep a level head, yet I can’t help but imagine my future with this new baby. Try as I might, I catch myself daydreaming about it constantly. I even find myself humming as I get ready for work in the morning. <br /> <br /> When I arrive at my employer’s estate in the most exclusive neighborhood in Moon Valley – which basically makes it the most exclusive neighborhood in the world, since Moon Valley is one of the most expensive cities on the planet – I’m immediately greeted by two little voices shouting my name in excitement. “Ella!”<br /> <br /> The next thing I know, 3-year-old Millie is hugging my legs while her older brother, Jake, wraps his arms around my middle. “Good morning love puddles!” I exclaim, returning their hugs. “Are you ready for the museum?”<br /> <br /> “Yeah!” They cheer, racing out the door without even stopping to put on coats. It takes a bit of wrangling to get them back inside and bundled up for the cold winter day, but before long we set out into the snow.<br /> <br /> Jake races ahead of Millie and I, impatient to get to the science museum and not seeming to notice that his sister’s tiny legs simply don’t move that fast. Chuckling, I lift Millie into my arms and settle her on my hip. “Goodness, you’re getting too big for this, munchkin.”<br /> <br /> “Nuh-uh,” Millie grins, “You’re justs too little.” <br /> <br /> She might have a point. At five foot one, I don’t exactly have the kind of build suited to heavy lifting. I’m in great shape, but I’ve never been particularly strong. “Smarty pants.” I tease, laughing with the little girl. <br /> <br /> When I look back towards Jake, I realize he’s stopped a few feet ahead of us. My heart skips a beat when I realize why. We’re in front of the Sinclair mansion, and its owner is currently standing in the middle of the sidewalk, his gaze searing me like a firebrand as I approach with Millie. Dominic Sinclair is just about the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, but he’s also one of the most terrifying. <br /> <br /> With dark hair and piercing green eyes, chiseled features and a body so muscular I could swoon, it doesn’t seem fair he gets to look so good and also be so rich. If I didn’t know better I might think it was his wealth or imposing height that makes him so intimidating, after all he’s at least six foot four, which means he towers over me and everyone else around him. However it’s neither of those things, there’s simply an indefinable quality about the man that I can’t put my finger on, one which screams danger. He gives off this energy that’s so raw and animalistic one forgets there’s anyone else in the room. <br /> <br /> Taking a steadying breath, I close the distance between us so Millie can say hello. When she greets him, Dominic drags his attention from me and offers her a smile so genuine that it tugs at my heartstrings. As I watch him talk to my two young charges, I remember what Cora told me about his infertility struggles. He clearly loves children, and I feel a wave of empathy for him. If anyone knows what it’s like to yearn for a family of their own, it’s me. <br /> <br /> Jake is currently showing Dominic his new toy airplane, pulling the matchbox model from his pocket and demonstrating how far it can fly. With a great heave, he sends the toy gliding through the air, only to land in the middle of the street. Before any of us can say a word, Jake races after it, right into the busy road.<br /> <br /> “Jake no, be careful!” I cry, watching him dart out into the path of an oncoming car but feeling frozen by my fear. Before I can contemplate putting Millie down to go after him, a blur of movement whirrs past my vision. I’ve never seen anyone move so fast in my life. Dominic became little more than a hazy outline of himself, chasing after Jake and pulling him out of the way just before the car slams into them. The vehicle’s tires are still screeching when Dominic sets Jake down beside me, his expression suddenly very stern. <br /> <br /> “That was very dangerous.” He scolds gently. “You should never go into the street without looking both ways first.”<br /> <br /> Jake hangs his head. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want my plane to get runned over.” <br /> <br /> “You are a million times more important than a toy.” Dominic tells him firmly, “and you scared your nanny half to death.”<br /> <br /> “I’m sorry, Ella.” Jake sniffles, looking up at me with wide eyes. <br /> <br /> “I know sweetheart, just don’t ever do that again.” I breathe, cuddling him against my side. “Thank you so much.” I say to Dominic, feeling more grateful than I can express. “I have no idea how you moved so fast! It was like something out of a superhero film.”<br /> <br /> “Must have been the adrenaline.” Dominic shrugs, giving Millie another smile before taking his leave. “Enjoy the rest of your day, and stay out of the road young man!”<br /> <br /> “Yes sir!” Jake calls after him, pocketing his airplane. “I really am sorry.” He adds to me. <br /> <br /> “It’s forgotten.” I tell him softly, though I take his hand so that he can’t run off again. <br /> <br /> “It all happened so fast.” I tell Cora later that night. “I mean the more I think about it, the more amazing it seems. One moment he was there, and the next he was gone. It was like magic.”<br /> <br /> “Thank goodness Jake is alright.” She replies, but rather than looking relieved, her face is twisted into a deep grimace.<br /> <br /> Studying my sister’s expression, I realize her grim demeanor is not just about Jake’s near miss. Something else is wrong, and I actually feel guilty for not noticing sooner. “Is everything okay?”<br /> <br /> Cora frowns, “Not really. But you’ve got so much going on right now, it’s not important.”<br /> <br /> “Cora, don’t be ridiculous.” I admonish. “What’s going on?”<br /> <br /> “Well, speaking of Dominic Sinclair,” She begins cryptically, “you know that sperm he sent to us for testing?”<br /> <br /> “Yeah,” I confirm, wondering where on earth this was going. <br /> <br /> “It’s gone missing… and I’m the last person who saw it, not to mention it was in my custody.” She explains, her voice becoming thick with emotion. “Ella, I think… I think I’m going to be fired. And if there’s an investigation I could lose my medical license.”<br /> <br /> “What?” I exclaim. “What do you mean it’s missing? A vial of sperm can’t just get up and walk away.”<br /> <br /> “I know, I think someone had to steal it, but there’s no way of knowing who’s responsible. And it looks like I’m going to have to take the blame.” She shares, her eyes shining with tears. <br /> <br /> “Cora, I can’t believe you didn’t tell me this sooner!” I lament, “They can’t fire you, it isn’t fair.”<br /> <br /> “You don’t understand, Dominic is one of our biggest donors.” Cora explains. “And he’s furious, he basically wants my head on a platter.”<br /> <br /> A week ago I might have believed there was no hope for Cora, but seeing how kind and understanding Dominic was with the kids today makes me wonder if he could really be so heartless. Surely if he understood that Cora would never be so irresponsible he’d show some leniency? I have to try and help her, I would do anything for my sister – even begging a ruthless billionaire for mercy.<br /> <br /> Chapter 3 - Request<br /> <br /> Ella<br /> <br /> Three days to go.<br /> <br /> I repeat these words to myself as I walk down the street, still preoccupied with my possible pregnancy, even as I prepare to go to bat for my sister. In some ways it's a coping mechanism: I’m about to beg Dominic Sinclair to save Cora’s job, and I need a comforting thought to help me get through this. <br /> <br /> His bodyguards see me first, and I can see their mouths moving as they watch me move closer, no doubt notifying him of my presence. Approaching nervously behind Dominic, I wonder for the hundredth time if this is a mistake. Who am I to ask a favor from one of the most powerful men on the planet? Shaking myself, I tell the little voice in the back of my mind to shut up – this is for Cora. I might not be brave for myself, but I can be brave for her. <br /> <br /> “Mr. Sinclair?” I ask hesitantly, feeling my heart pound violently against my ribcage. <br /> <br /> He turns around and gazes imperiously down at me. “Yes?”<br /> <br /> “I’m Ella Reina, I nanny for Jake and Millie Graves.” I begin, gnawing on my lower lip. <br /> <br /> His dark eyes catch on my mouth, and suddenly I feel like a frightened rabbit in front of a hungry wolf. “I know who you are, Ella.” The sound of my name on his lips sends a shiver down my spine. He speaks the familiar syllables with so much purpose, as if they truly mean something to him.<br /> <br /> “Oh… well, I don’t mean to be impertinent, but I’m friends with Dr Cora Daniels…”As soon as I say her name, his expression closes off, and some unidentified emotion flashes in his eyes. <br /> <br /> “She told me she’s in trouble at work, and I know you’re one of the bank’s donors.” I improvise. “I don’t know what Cora is being accused of, but I’m sure she’s innocent. She takes her job incredibly seriously, and she would never do anything to risk her career.”<br /> <br /> “And what do you expect me to do about it?” Dominic asks ominously. I can tell he doesn’t believe my weak story, his body language has changed completely, and I can feel his rising anger vibrating in the air around us. <br /> <br /> “I just thought… I hoped that if you had any sway there, you might be able to put in a good word for her.” I finish, feeling color flood my cheeks. I’m both ashamed of myself for such a feeble attempt, but unsure how else to handle such a delicate topic. The last thing I want is to get Cora in even more trouble than before. <br /> <br /> Dominic’s jaw ticks as he watches me, and the voice in the back of my head urges me to run for it. “From what I’ve heard, your friend made a very serious mistake, and the consequences have been more than appropriate. The best thing she can do now is take responsibility for her mistakes, not sending you to do her dirty work for her.”<br /> <br /> “I – she didn’t, she doesn’t even know I’m here! I swear.” I plead. <br /> <br /> “I’ve said all I’m going to say on this matter.” Dominic declares, turning away from me and striding into his house. The door slams shut behind him, and I’m left with his various bodyguards. <br /> <br /> “You need to leave now, miss.” One of the men announces sharply. <br /> <br /> “I can’t.” I moan, “he has to understand, she’s going to lose everything!” <br /> <br /> “We’re not going to ask you again.” A second guard growls, a clear threat in his words. <br /> <br /> “Please, she’s innocent.” I beg, “you have to –” before I can say anything more, the men grab me by the arms and begin trying to lead me off the property. Feeling truly desperate, I dig in my heels, deciding that my dignity is worth Cora’s entire future. “I’m begging you, if I could just talk to Mr. Sinclair.” <br /> <br /> “You’ve already talked to him.” The first guard grumbles, “and frankly you’re lucky he was as generous to you as he was. Your friend clearly told you things she shouldn’t.”<br /> <br /> The next thing I know, they’ve thrown me off the property and onto the sidewalk so forcefully that I lose my balance, tumbling to the ground as tears spark in my eyes. The iron gates slam shut behind me, and I have no choice but to slink off before I can embarrass myself further. <br /> <br /> Of course, this was only the beginning of my misfortune. When I arrived at work the next day, I found that my keys no longer fit the locks on the front door. I knocked, overwhelmed with confusion, and a few minutes later the door swung open to reveal Jake and Millie’s furious mother. <br /> <br /> “My keys aren’t working.” I tell her, wondering why she’s glaring at me so fiercely.<br /> <br /> “They’re not meant to.” She answers coldly, “as of yesterday afternoon, your services were no longer required.”<br /> <br /> “I… you’re firing me?” I squeak, not believing my ears. “Why?”<br /> <br /> “We got a call from the neighbors.” She explains haughtily, “apparently you let Jake run into the road the other day where he was almost hit by a car! And then yesterday you were seen making a fool of yourself at Dominic Sinclair’s home – they said his bodyguards had to drag you off the grounds like a common criminal.”<br /> <br /> “That isn’t fair, that isn’t what happened!” I plead. “Jake through his toy into the road and ran after it, I didn’t let it happen, and what happened with Mr. Sinclair was a misunderstanding.”<br /> <br /> “I don’t want to hear it.” She hisses. “Now leave before I call the police.”<br /> <br /> “Please, can’t I at least say goodbye to the kids?” I request, praying she’ll grant me this one kindness.<br /> <br /> “I’m dialing.” She tells me simply, pulling her cell phone from her pocket. <br /> <br /> “No!” I raise my palms in supplication, “It’s okay, I’ll go.”<br /> <br /> For the second time this week, I find myself shamefully retreating through this opulent neighborhood with tears streaming down my face. What hurts even worse than losing my job is the fact I didn't get to explain the situation to Jake and Millie, or see them one last time. I’m sure their mother will tell them horrible things about me, despite the fact that I’ve been lovingly raising for them for the last two years.<br /> <br /> I know Dominic Sinclair is responsible for this. I don’t believe my ex-boss’s story about the neighbors for one moment. He clearly wanted to punish me, just like he’s having Cora punished. A rush of fury takes hold of me, and suddenly I wish I could punish him somehow. It’s not like me to be so vindictive, but right now it truly feels like my entire life is falling apart, and it’s partly his fault. <br /> <br /> I spent all my money on the insemination, and without a job I have almost nothing. How am I ever going to afford to have a baby now? I guarantee I’m not going to get a good reference from Jake and Millie’s mother. <br /> <br /> As if things weren’t already bad enough, when I return home I find a stack of bills in the mailbox and I don’t even recognize half the senders. I open them one by one, feeling my confusion and disbelief grow by the minute.<br /> <br /> As I look at the stores on the breakdown of charges, my suspicion grows: they’re all Mike’s favorite places. Is it possible he did this behind my back? That he’s been hiding the bills from me for months… or years? I know he’ll deny it if I confront him, which leaves me only one option. <br /> <br /> I have to call Kate. My former best friend might have betrayed me completely with her affair, but if anyone knows what Mike has been up to, it’s her. <br /> <br /> Chapter 4 - Desperation<br /> <br /> Ella<br /> <br /> My hands are shaking as I dial Kate’s number. Have I ever been this angry? If I have I certainly can’t remember it now.<br /> <br /> “Hello?” Kate answers almost immediately, using a sickly sweet tone that screams of fakeness. <br /> <br /> “Kate?” I state bluntly. “Are you with Mike right now?”<br /> <br /> There’s a pregnant pause on the other end of the line, before she weakly responds, “What? Of course not.” <br /> <br /> “Come off it Kate, do you really think I don't know about your shit?” I demand. “I’m not a complete idiot.”<br /> <br /> “Ella listen–” She begins, obviously gearing up to give me some sort of excuse. <br /> <br /> “No, I don’t even care about your little affair anymore – but I need to talk to him right now.” I declare fiercely. <br /> <br /> There’s another pause, and then Kate’s voice drops its innocent tone. “You don’t care?” She repeats, sounding truly shocked. “ You know I’m already pregnant?” <br /> <br /> I wasn’t prepared for that particular piece of news. I clench my hands into fists, feeling so furious I think I might actually break the phone with my tight grip, “And what, you think that’s some sort of victory?” I bite. <br /> <br /> “Does he know you’re pregnant?” I ask sharply, “because a man who’s so afraid of responsibility that he’d poison me for years is probably willing to do it to anyone.”<br /> <br /> “Well no, but he loves me, he would never –” She tried to explain. <br /> <br /> “He loved me too once.” I cut her off. “At least he said he did. It’s amazing how charming he can be, considering what a bastard he truly is. How do you think he’s going to support you and your child? He doesn’t even have a job.”<br /> <br /> “Of course he does!” She objects, “He just didn’t tell you about it because he didn’t want you to bleed him dry. He’s a stock broker.”<br /> <br /> “Oh Kate,” I sigh, “Poor, gullible, stupid Kate. He’s as much a stock broker as I am a wizard.”<br /> <br /> “Don’t talk to me like that! He’s got money, he lavishes it on me all the time!” She insists.<br /> <br /> “With fraudulent credit cards he took out in my name!” I shout, losing my temper completely.<br /> <br /> “What?” She squeaks. <br /> <br /> “That’s right. I’ve only just found out – he’s completely bankrupted me. I’m calling the police and if I were you, I’d check your own credit rating immediately, because I’d be willing to be you’re next.” I snap.<br /> <br /> “No,” she repeats weakly, “you’re wrong, it’s different with me.”<br /> <br /> My voice is getting thick with emotion now, but I can’t help it. “And frankly I don’t really care what happens to you Kate, but if you’re really pregnant then your baby deserves better than to be raised in a homeless shelter, and that’s exactly where Mike will land you.”<br /> <br /> I hang up before I start crying, not giving her a chance to respond. Why did I buy his lies about looking for work for so long? He crushed me little by little, all the while pretending to be so nice, and I let it happen. <br /> <br /> Never again. I decide. I won’t ever let myself be fooled that way again. <br /> <br /> I still want to get my revenge on Mike, but first I’ve got to try and salvage what’s left of my life. I have to go to the police and see if I can resolve these financial issues… I can’t have a baby if I’m bankrupt, and I can only pray the police will help. <br /> <br /> ________________________<br /> <br /> “I’m very sorry Miss. Reina, but if your ex-partner has left the area, there’s not much we can do about this.” The police officer breaks this news to me about as gently as he might smash an ant beneath his boot. “I’ll give you the police report to send to the credit card company, but that’s the most help you’re going to get from us.”<br /> <br /> Anger fills me to the brim. I guarantee he’d never treat my case with so little consideration or respect if I wasn’t an impoverished nanny. If I was a wealthy man like Dominic Sinclair, he’d be fawning at my feet, offering to go to any lengths to solve my problems. I storm out of the station before I can lose my temper and verbally assault the man, immediately calling the credit card companies. <br /> <br /> One by one they crush my hopes, telling me in no uncertain terms that unless a culprit is arrested in my case, I’ll be held responsible for the charges. <br /> <br /> As I hang up on the final call, I can feel the earth crumbling beneath my feet. How did it come to this? I literally have nothing. No one will hire me without a recommendation from my previous employer, which means I won’t be able to pay rent or keep food on the table. Normally I might turn to Cora in such a time, but I can’t burden her with this when she’s in the same boat. <br /> <br /> Tomorrow I’ll finally find out whether or not I’m pregnant, and up until now the strange sensation I’ve been experiencing the last few days has been a comfort and source of hope. I don’t know how to explain it: it’s as if I’m suddenly different somehow – even though I can’t see any changes, I just have this intense knowing that I’m no longer the same woman I was a week ago. <br /> <br /> I thought it was a sign the insemination worked, but now I’m praying that it’s my imagination going overboard. <br /> <br /> At first I try to distract myself, turning on the TV and freezing when I see Dominic Sinclair on the news talking about all his good will initiatives in the community. “When our work is finished, the Moon Valley children’s home will be a place of love and community, motivated to find the best homes for every child in need. Our initiative not only ensures that the permanent residents in the home have the best possible conditions, but that there is continuous follow up with children placed with adoptive families to ensure they thrive in their new homes.”<br /> <br /> So much for the supposed philanthropist, I think bitterly. Turning a blind eye to the lives he’s selfishly ruining all the while pretending to be a friend of the downtrodden. A week ago I might have been touched by such a broadcast. I grew up in an orphanage just like the one he’s describing, and I know just how terrible the conditions can be. Now however, I see nothing but his hypocrisy. Cora was an orphan too, she didn’t do anything wrong – where is his compassion for her? Clearly it’s only for the TV cameras. It’s a shame. He’s very convincing… then again, so was Mike. <br /> <br /> Of course Mike was never as handsome as Dominic Sinclair, nor did he ever have his charisma or imposing presence. I don’t know if I’ve ever met anyone like him. Even while he was refusing to help me, scolding me and having me thrown out the door, part of me was still taken in by his handsome features and pure magnetism. <br /> <br /> Shaking myself, I turn the TV off. What the hell is wrong with me? The man is a heartless billionaire and I’m still sitting here mooning over him like a silly schoolgirl. <br /> <br /> I end up going to bed early, trying not to think about tomorrow. Of course, I still lie awake late into the night – I know what it means to grow up an orphan, and I can’t countenance bringing a child into the world just to abandon it to that bleak existence. The more my life unravels, the more stark my options become. <br /> <br /> If I am pregnant… Am I going to abort the child? Even though it’s what I’ve wanted my entire life!<br /> <br /> Chapter 5 - Pregnancy Test<br /> <br /> Ella<br /> <br /> “No, I understand.” I murmur into the phone. “Thanks for listening at least.”<br /> <br /> I wearily hang up the line, burying my head in my hands. I spent all morning calling in every favor and loan I possibly could, throwing my dignity right out the window to beg my friends and acquaintances in my time of need. <br /> <br /> I’ve never thought of myself as a proud woman, but begging this way was more of a challenge than I could have imagined. <br /> <br /> I only wish I could help Cora as well as myself. She’s still waiting to hear if she’ll be fired, and while she’s not supposed to be handling any samples, she got permission to do my tests this afternoon. After all, I’ve already been inseminated, so her supervisor didn’t see any risk of further negligence.<br /> <br /> Still, I’m far from excited when I walk through the front doors of the sperm bank. Ten days ago I was heartsore but optimistic for the future, yearning for a baby more than anything else in the world. Now I’m dreading the exam. <br /> <br /> However my trepidation soon gives way to surprise, because as soon as I enter the facility I have the strangest feeling that Dominic Sinclair is near. It takes me a while to actually find him, behind closed doors with Cora’s bosses in a luxurious, glass-walled conference room, but I don’t have the faintest idea how I knew he was present. I also don’t understand why I feel drawn to him: after all, he’s ruined both my sister’s and my own life. I shouldn’t be excited to see him. <br /> <br /> It was dumb luck that I stumbled across his path, the conference room is on the way to Cora’s office, but I find myself stopping to observe the meeting inside. I’m struck speechless when I lay eyes on him. Is it possible that he’s gotten more attractive since the last time I saw him? It was already unfair that somebody that powerful and intelligent could be so handsome, but now it truly just feels like being kicked while I’m down. The bastard has a heart of stone, and still the universe has rained endless gifts upon him while people like Cora and I have nothing. <br /> <br /> Shaking myself out of my trance, I continue down the hall, though I feel the weight of dark eyes on my back as I retreat. Cora has clearly been crying when I arrive. Her eyes are red and her cheeks splotchy, though she tries to hide it. <br /> <br /> “Hey.” I greet her gently, wrapping her up in a hug. She leans into me, squeezing tight and lingering far longer than she usually would. “Is there any news?”<br /> <br /> “Sinclair is in there finalizing it all now. I’m going to be given formal termination notice this afternoon.” She shares, sniffling slightly. <br /> <br /> “I’m so sorry, honey.” I croon, rubbing her back. <br /> <br /> “It’s okay.” She lies, pulling away. “How are you hanging in there?”<br /> <br /> “Not very well.” I confess. “I’m sort of dreading this, to be honest.”<br /> <br /> “It’s amazing how fast things can change, huh?” She asks, looking as though she might burst into tears. “I mean, what are we going to do, Elle?” <br /> <br /> “Well figure it out.” I promise. “We’ve been in tight spots before.” I remind her, “remember the summer we slept in boxes on the street after we ran away from the orphanage?”<br /> <br /> “Yeah,” She nods with a sad smile. “But it’s winter now, I don’t think we’ll last long in the elements. And you weren’t pregnant then.”<br /> <br /> “Yeah well, if I’m pregnant now….” I can’t look her in the eyes as I say this, “I don’t think I’m going to stay that way.”<br /> <br /> “What?” Cora exclaims, looking horrified. “But this is your only chance! And we aren’t completely hopeless, you’ve got time to try to figure out a plan B.”<br /> <br /> That phrase alone reminds me of Mike, and I realize I haven’t shared my latest news with Cora. “I can’t afford a baby even if I do find a job. I’m going to be paying off my debts for years to come.” I share, filling her in on the details of Mike and Kate’s latest betrayal. <br /> <br /> “I can’t believe this!” She bursts out when I’m finished. “It just isn’t fair, Ella! I mean, I thought we paid our dues, I thought we were done with suffering. After everything we’ve been through, we deserve a better future than this! You deserve to be a mom – no one loves children more than you do.”<br /> <br /> “And you deserve to be a doctor.” I reply. “You worked so hard.”<br /> <br /> “I still don’t think you should give up yet.” She frowns. “You can terminate the pregnancy up until the end of the first trimester. It would be a tragedy if you aborted it, then pulled off a miracle and it turned out you could have kept it. Don’t take that risk. Keep the baby until the very last moment.”<br /> <br /> “I don’t think miracles happen to people like me.” I remark softly. “Besides that seems kind of like it’s own form of torture – the longer I carry the baby the more attached I’m going to get. I don’t want this to hurt any worse than it has to.”<br /> <br /> “It’s going to hurt no matter what.” Cora reasons, “You ought to give yourself a chance – keep the door open. Don’t give up hope completely.”<br /> <br /> “Let’s just find out if I have to make that decision in the first place.” I state, changing the subject. “I may not even be pregnant.” Yet even as I say it, I can feel in my heart that I am. <br /> <br /> “Okay.” Cora agrees, pulling a sterile cup wrapped in plastic from one of her cabinets. “You know what to do.”<br /> <br /> I take the cup and quickly duck into the bathroom to provide a urine sample, returning it to her almost immediately. I pace back and forth across the office as Cora runs the tests. “Well?” I press, seeing the results pop up on her computer screen. <br /> <br /> She offers me a sad smile. “Congratulations little sister, you’re going to have a baby.”<br /> <br /> I told myself that I wouldn’t fall to pieces no matter the results, but as soon as the words are out of her mouth I’m crying. I’ve been waiting to hear those words for years and was beginning to think I never would. It’s both unimaginable joy, and unimaginable pain. I never knew my heart could hold such conflicting emotions at the same time, let alone in such extremes. “Really?”<br /> <br /> “Really.” Cora confirms, hugging me. “Come on, let’s do an ultrasound. You can hear the heartbeat.”<br /> <br /> “Isn’t it too early?” I squeak. <br /> <br /> “Just one of the benefits of being at the finest lab in the country.” Cora quips, the words bittersweet on her tongue. “Our technology is years ahead of what’s available in public hospitals.”<br /> <br /> Climbing onto the raised exam table, I lay back and lift my top, not bothering to change into a gown or cover my clothes with a sheet, I simply expose my flat belly as Cora wheels in an ultrasound on a cart. Within minutes the machine is emitting a strange whoosh woosh woosh, and Cora squirts a dollop of jelly on my tummy. She pressed the wand to my skin, and before long a tiny heartbeat sounds – making me cry all over again.<br /> <br /> However Cora is frowning deeply. “This is so strange, the baby seems awfully large, but we tested you at your last visit to be sure you weren’t already pregnant.”<br /> <br /> “What does that mean?” I ask anxiously. “Is the father just a big guy?”<br /> <br /> “I don’t just mean size – I mean development.” Cora purses her lips and furrows her brows as she studies the images, suddenly looking very worried. She’s whispering now, speaking to herself more than to me. “It doesn’t look human… but that can’t be… it’s not possible.”<br /> <br /> “What are you talking about?” I inquire, “How can you tell? Isn’t it just a tiny blob?”<br /> <br /> “As I said, our tech is state of the art. It doesn’t just highlight shapes - it analyzes the molecular structure.” Before she can say another word, the door bursts open, startling us both. To my shock and horror, Dominic Sinclair is standing in the doorframe, glaring at us as if we’ve done something terrible. “What’s the meaning of this?” He demands.<br /> <br /> “What’s the meaning of this? I repeat in shock, “what’s the meaning of you barging into a private exam?!”<br /> <br /> “Because,” He declares fiercely, and I swear his eyes are almost glowing with rage. “I can smell my pup.”<br /> <br /> Chapter 6 - He's A Werewolf<br /> <br /> “Your pup?” I parrot, realizing I must sound like an idiot the way I keep repeating him – but it’s all too strange and surreal. I feel like I’m having a dream......<br /> __________________<br /> <br /> Click to READ more 👉👉 Title: Surrogate for Alpha Dom	LEARN_MORE	https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4	106077262240533	The novel	https://facebook.com/100085523883301	19,182	1	918,368,120,037,269	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	The novel	120209943169340310	page.joyreadings.com	NONE	image		https://page.joyreadings.com/h5-book-share-custom4.html?lang=en&id=5747&brand=2&app=0&ppid=1637&pid=FBW2A&campaign={{campaign.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&utm_source=FBW2A&utm_medium={{placement}}&utm_campaign={{campaign.id}}&utm_term={{adset.id}}&utm_content={{ad.id}}	2024-05-08 03:47	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438253877_1262676431375441_8699515768166243148_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=NvfzD8rGPjgQ7kNvgFXYfm7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfD-v_olMBMjTXJTD_rx9UuleJAf8tQPUvr3pj-9tGZuPg&oe=6641DF1B	person_profile	The novel	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438216047_453596284016137_4372378489385902065_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=JVNUY021KIIQ7kNvgF0iJEz&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCKMGLIFkjDv_hidvzJLlWCXpxok5ZRgibR3JPEqIWRvw&oe=6641DFF3	3	The novel	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,692	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778696}'	No	2024-05-08 18:41	active	760	347592224602597	Reduced Anxiety and Stress by 64.5% ✅	Stress wouldn't leave me alone EVEN during the night... 🌙<br /> <br /> ...all because I was not winding down properly before going to bed! ☁️<br /> <br /> I give this device 10 minutes before sleep... ⌛<br /> <br /> ...and sometimes it makes me feel like I had a few extra hours of deep rest 👇<br /> <br /> Get it now 👉<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpulsetto.tech%2F&h=AT2Zp6Idvu9fPUyk4ByObcGBVquwMBAiaIgs789PqMzPUqyriwcI0JSnBoB9XYAJ7bdRqBwwCHa4gwaqGoYlzPjYdel3j6TdtKLYu4H_BH1trocIFDlVlEqR4W7cO4Cm_beJEtCL1LSTweCatUuAe5wAujU" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="async">https://pulsetto.tech/</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://pulsetto.tech/	104835338849392	Pulsetto	https://facebook.com/Pulsetto	6,172	1	754,013,676,559,725	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop now	Pulsetto	120210376549920211	pulsetto.tech	NONE	image	Pulsetto is a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator that activates your parasympathetic nervous system to reduce stress and anxiety. Feel calmer, sleep better, live happier.	https://pulsetto.tech/	2024-05-08 03:06	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440156213_2693246694186353_1005068951674364482_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ypLAGX-oBKQQ7kNvgF2-Pdf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD8kytq13S3y05C-W-zNVNi7FxRP3ZwgB9HA2eY6EdcPA&oe=6641CF38	person_profile	Pulsetto	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440191391_1177402939960119_4845760125059496204_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mDz1rm6NBbkQ7kNvgECrSa_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAxyDemeQpIReVnwLXF8RaW0GbgVi5mwBM1zm2K_WBwbw&oe=6641E9BA	3	Pulsetto	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,203	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778266}'	No	2024-05-08 18:35	active	760	838410394717626	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Xavier, you’d better get this straight: it's me who's dumping you, not the other way round." It took all her willpower not to lash out at the cheating couple. <br /> "I hope you two have a long, 'happy' life together," she spat.<br /> Her boyfriend of three years, the one she had been with through thick and thin, was now engaged to her elder sister.<br /> "It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that I’m here to help." Charles tapped his cufflink, his gaze steady and serene as he watched Noelle.<br /> He was her guardian angel in her darkest hour. "Marry me. I'll bring you unimaginable happiness!"<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> Autumn had painted Brookville in shades of gold and crimson when Noelle Shaw stepped off the plane. She grabbed her suitcase and walked out into the crisp air, a familiar sense of home wrapping around her.<br /> A whole year had passed since she left to pursue a corporate training program overseas, and now, she was back just in time.<br /> Her third anniversary with her boyfriend Xavier Harris was just days away, and she had been working nonstop to make it back early enough to surprise him.<br /> She hailed a cab and headed straight for Xavier's office. The moment she walked through the front doors, Alice, the receptionist, gave her a look of total shock. "Ms. Shaw? You’re back? Are you here for the CEO's engagement party?"<br /> Noelle's brow creased in confusion. "The CEO's engagement party? What are you talking about, Alice?"<br /> "It's Mr. Harris's engagement party with your sister!"<br /> "What?" Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and the happiness drained from her face. "Whose engagement party?"<br /> Alice seemed to realize she had dropped a bombshell and nervously swallowed. "The CEO... and your sister..."<br /> "Where is it happening?"<br /> "The... Golden Oasis Hotel."<br /> It felt like a punch to the gut. Noelle spun on her heel and rushed out. "Driver, take me to the Golden Oasis Hotel, please."<br /> She had not even made it inside the hotel when she saw a huge photo by the entrance. There Xavier was with his arm around Winter Shaw, who looked stunning in her elegant dress. They were gazing into each other's eyes, lost in a world of love.<br /> On her way over, Noelle was psyching herself up. Xavier was her boyfriend. He was hers! The idea of him getting engaged to her sister was just too bizarre. As she arrived, however, reality hit her like a ton of bricks.<br /> She walked in just in time to catch Xavier whispering sweet nothings into Winter's ear, making her cheeks turn a rosy pink.<br /> Noelle felt a surge of anger, her eyes blazing with fury.<br /> How ludicrous it was. Her boyfriend of three years, the one she had been with through thick and thin, was now cozying up to her elder sister while she had been miles away.<br /> Winter Shaw was mingling and toasting with the guests arm in arm with Xavier when she spotted Noelle. Her face drained of color, and her grip on Xavier's hand tightened without her even realizing it.<br /> Xavier's eyes met Noelle's. He paused for a split second, then flashed Winter a comforting smile before walking over to Noelle. "Hey Noelle, did you come to celebrate me and your sister's big day?"<br /> His voice, which was usually so warm and gentle, felt like a knife twisting in her heart. Noelle clenched her jaw. "Celebrate? Celebrate you stabbing me in the back? And Winter, really? Are you that desperate for a man? You knew he was mine, and you... you both..."<br /> Before she could finish, a slap snapped her head to the side, leaving her cheek throbbing.<br /> Holding her face, tears brimming in her eyes, she looked up in disbelief. "Mom!"<br /> "Don't you dare call me 'mom' right now! What kind of daughter or sister acts the way you're acting? It's your sister's engagement, and you can't even be happy for her? Instead, you show up here to make a scene. You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Jade Jones was fuming, her eyes shooting daggers at Noelle.<br /> Noelle's heart clenched. "Mom, what are you even saying? Xavier's my boyfriend."<br /> "Your boyfriend? Xavier is your sister's husband. Why do you have to challenge your sister for everything? I’m so disappointed in you."<br /> Noelle could not help but laugh. She stared at her mother, Jade, who had the nerve to twist the truth so blatantly. She turned to Xavier. "Xavier, come on. Tell us who you're really dating."<br /> His brow creased, his gaze on Noelle filled with uncertainty. The firm grip he felt, however, brought him back to the moment. "Noelle, I'm sorry, but there's only ever been one person for me, and that's your sister."<br /> Noelle's heart felt like it was being sliced open as she listened to Xavier's emotionless confession.<br /> What a joke! What bitter irony!<br /> "Xavier, you’d better get this straight: it's me who's dumping you, not the other way round." It took all her willpower not to lash out at the cheating couple. "I hope you two have a long, 'happy' life together," she spat.<br /> <br /> Noelle bolted from the hotel, her previously defiant face now streaked with tears.<br /> Out of nowhere, a black Cayenne screeched to a halt, its tires screaming against the pavement. Caught off guard, she tumbled to the ground.<br /> The driver gulped, his eyes darting to the man in the back seat, "Sir... Sir?"<br /> The man in the back, unfazed by the nearby accident, merely glanced at the passenger seat beside him. "Ronald, go see what happened."<br /> "Right away, sir." Ronald was out of the car in a flash, checking the front for any damage.<br /> About six feet ahead of the car, a woman sat on the ground with her eyes wide open, looking totally freaked out. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, and she had obviously been crying. "Miss? Are you okay? Do you need a ride to the hospital?"<br /> Noelle was scared out of her wits. She just gazed at Ronald, lost in shock, until she finally managed to pull herself together and stand up. Without a word, she tried to sidestep him, eager to get away.<br /> Ronald was puzzled by her reaction. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need any..."<br /> "I... I'm fine, really, I'm okay." Noelle's eyes darted to the black Cayenne. She could not shake off the feeling that someone was watching her, and it sent shivers down her spine. She scowled, hating the feeling, and hobbled away as fast as she could.<br /> Ronald watched her go, confused. He wanted to stop her, but she was dodging him like he was bad news, leaving him speechless.<br /> Back in the car, Ronald noticed the man in the backseat craning his neck to watch the woman through the window. "Sir, we're at the hotel. Do you want to head straight in, or would you like to get out here?"<br /> The man, Charles Hoffman, did not say a word, and Ronald did not dare to make a move.<br /> Watching the petite figure disappear into the distance, Charles let out a slight smirk and tapped his finger against his knee in a steady beat. "Let's head back!"<br /> Ronald was taken aback. "But sir, isn't today..."<br /> Before he could finish, Charles cut him off with a piercing look. "The show's over. There's nothing left to see," Charles said, his words heavy with implication. "Ronald, you seem to be losing your touch."<br /> The Majestic Lounge was Brookville's hotspot, its lights blazing and music pumping every night. Noelle's friend, Rowena Smith, always said it was the prime spot for a wild time after dark.<br /> Noelle was not one for these scenes, but tonight, she was hunched over the bar, downing drinks as if there was no tomorrow. She peered at the sea of unfamiliar faces swirling around her through half-closed eyes.<br /> "Hey there. Did you come here alone?"<br /> A hand clamped onto Noelle's shoulder, the stranger's touch lingering a bit too long. Noelle jerked away, revulsion coursing through her. "Back off."<br /> The guy shot a knowing look at his buddy and smirked at Noelle. "Feisty, aren't you? Back off? Ladies like you just play hard to get, secretly hoping for some attention."<br /> He moved in as if to plant a buss on her, but Noelle shoved him back and stood up, her stance unsteady and her heart racing. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog. "I said back off! Is that so hard to understand?"<br /> She stumbled, nearly toppling over, but the man caught her, his arm snaking around her waist. "See, you’re saying no, but your body's telling a different story."<br /> <br /> Trapped in the man's grip, Noelle struggled to break free, her body refusing to cooperate. Her vision was blurry as she glared at him. "What are you trying to do?"<br /> "Just having a bit of fun..." He chuckled, his voice dripping with sleaze as he steadied her. "Let's go somewhere more entertaining, shall we?"<br /> Noelle might have been out of it, but she could still sense the danger in the man's tone. However, her whole body ached, and she knew she was no match for them. She scanned the area for anyone who could help her, but she was invisible to the passersby.<br /> She spotted a figure approaching through her haze. Acting instinctively, she shoved the two men aside and bolted, slamming right into the newcomer. "Save me!" she gasped.<br /> Her fingers dug into the fabric of the man's shirt, and she inhaled a sharp, clean scent. "Please, save me," she pleaded.<br /> Charles squinted, taking in the woman who had just collided with him. There was a flicker of something sharp in his gaze.<br /> Noelle did not let go, pressing herself against him. Her lips, tainted with the strong smell of booze, were inches from his face, and her cheeks were unnaturally rosy.<br /> "Sir..." Ronald, who was standing a few steps back, watched in disbelief. She had the nerve to approach Charles, yet he was not pushing her away?<br /> Charles shot a cold look at the two men harassing Noelle. "Time to leave, don't you think?"<br /> "You… Who do you think you are? Do you even know who I am? I had my eye on that girl," one of the men blurted out.<br /> Charles smirked and let out a soft laugh. "You laid a hand on her? Which hand was it? Show me!"<br /> The courage of the other man drained away when he met Charles's icy stare. "Uh... Mr. Hoffman, we didn't realize who you were. We... we haven't touched her, not at all," he stammered, realizing they were in deep trouble.<br /> "Ronald," Charles shot him a look before scooping Noelle into his arms like she was the heroine in some epic romance, “give these guys a lesson they won't forget. Make it clear that The Majestic Lounge isn't for scum like them."<br /> With Noelle in his arms, Charles spun on his heel and left. Ronald gave a curt nod. "Understood." A sly grin spread across his face as he faced the two troublemakers. "So, which one of you was it that touched the lady?"<br /> The two guys exchanged panicked glances, too scared to utter a word. Ronald let out a mocking scoff. "What, did both of you touch her? Mr. Hoffman wants to let you keep a little bit of your offending hand as a souvenir."<br /> They dropped to their knees with a thud, as pale as ghosts, begging, "Please, have mercy! You can't do this. My dad is a big shot at Evergreen Group..."<br /> Meanwhile, Charles, with Noelle in his arms, was like a walking iceberg.<br /> Noelle felt she was being drained of blood and eaten alive by a swarm of ants. She whimpered, overcome by a wave of dizziness, "It's so hot..."<br /> Charles glanced down at his shirt, which was now a mess thanks to Noelle, and his gaze frosted over. He held her tighter and picked up the pace to the elevator.<br /> Though she was barely conscious, she caught a glimpse of the man's strong profile. The chill from his body was oddly soothing, and she snuggled closer without thinking. Charles's eyes darkened just as the elevator doors slid open, and he stepped out into the unknown.<br /> <br /> At the top of The Majestic Lounge was a room that belonged to Charles alone. He swung the door open and carried Noelle in. She was feeling so awful that she hung onto Charles like she was trying to meld into him, her limbs all over the place with nary a hint of elegance.<br /> He managed to detach Noelle from himself with a bit of a struggle and gently placed her in the bathroom. Taking a deep breath, he dialed Ronald’s number. "I need ice, and make it quick."<br /> Once he ended the call, he saw Noelle trying to get out of the tub. He gently but firmly pushed her back down and turned on the cold tap. "Stay still!"<br /> His voice was firm and grew even more intense as he noticed how the water in the tub accentuated her figure. His gaze sharpened.<br /> Ronald was fast, arriving shortly with two buckets of ice. "Here's the ice, sir."<br /> "Hold on," Charles instructed Ronald. "Just set them down and leave, thanks." His tone was cool and detached.<br /> Ronald raised an eyebrow at Charles's unusual sternness. However, he kept his thoughts to himself and left as told.<br /> Once alone, Charles brought the ice buckets into the bathroom.<br /> Noelle was submerged in the icy water, her body shaking uncontrollably. Her mind was still foggy, and Charles's expression was grim.<br /> Noelle was burning up inside, feeling like she was on the brink of collapse. The icy water was a harsh contrast to that, enveloping her in a torturous chill. She squirmed in agony, but Charles's hands kept her steady, and his voice cut through the haze. "Hang in there. It'll pass soon."<br /> ...<br /> Noelle's eyes fluttered open, her body feeling sore and like it had forgotten how to function. She lay still, gazing up at the stark white ceiling. As the fog in her brain slowly lifted, the memories of last night started to play like a movie in her head.<br /> Her face drained of color as panic flickered across her features. She flung off the covers and was relieved to find herself in pajamas, untouched. Still, that aching... where did it come from?<br /> "You're awake?" A chilly voice cut through the silence, and Noelle's head whipped toward the door. There she saw a man clad in cool elegance and fancy threads who was obviously not your average Joe. His face was so drop-dead gorgeous that even a beauty queen would swoon at him.<br /> Noelle's brow creased in confusion. She did not know this man. As the reality of her situation hit her, she blurted out, "Who are you?" Her voice sounded so harsh and grating that it scared her. The words came out as a dry, quacking mess.<br /> Charles arched an eyebrow, not bothering with an answer. He strolled over, poured her a glass of water, and handed it to her with smooth and elegant hands.<br /> Noelle was taken aback for a second but then grabbed the glass, downing the water with an eagerness that bordered on uncouth. Once the glass was empty, she eyed Charles suspiciously. "Are you the one who rescued me?"<br /> He did not say yes or no, but Noelle let out a relieved breath. "Okay. Thanks for whatever you did last night." She glanced down at her clothes, a silent question hanging in the air, and her expression turned to one of confusion. However, her gratitude remained evident despite the puzzlement.<br /> Charles's gaze landed softly on Noelle's face, his mind replaying her stunning presence from the night before and stirring something within him. "It’s all good, Ms. Shaw. Don’t worry about it," he said, sidestepping the potential embarrassment with a smooth deflection.<br /> Noelle bit her lip, fighting the urge to say more. She would have to deal with the fallout and act like this whole mess never happened. Then, it hit her. "How did you find out my last name is Shaw?"<br /> "Surprised? There's been a lot of buzz about a Ms. Shaw today. Have you not heard?" Charles said, casually fiddling with his cufflinks, looking the picture of cool.<br /> Noelle's face drained of color. "What... What are you talking about?"<br /> "There are many versions of your story. Which one do you want to hear?"<br /> "Who are you, really? And what do you want from me?"	LEARN_MORE	https://c.read4funs.com/ad/aXJvbWFuY2UvMTcxMjc4LzI	193365490526262	ForFun-120	https://facebook.com/61554751622817	74	1	231,593,840,044,295	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	ForFun-120	120210837669600664	c.read4funs.com	NONE	video		https://c.read4funs.com/ad/aXJvbWFuY2UvMTcxMjc4LzIwMjQwNTA3MTYwOTQ2L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 03:23	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440218091_1824923557980218_3240724529280851606_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=mYXhxNFGij8Q7kNvgEFOn0v&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCuf-pXqSVXZS0OmBc9XkjqK1vY1AcXJV673AM3HISJYw&oe=6641F1FB	person_profile	ForFun-120	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441927290_1424497831759244_3516630380192802408_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=D2Z3uS-UY8cQ7kNvgG1Uidv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA9LoLXW-QS3I4IHp3MXyOfEi5TzDIK0FRHNMAhQL90Xw&oe=6641C514	3	ForFun-120	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,933	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778952}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	453421457369109	Read More	She signed the divorce papers and left without taking her phone. He checked her phone and got floored at the message: Please come tomorrow for another prenatal care checkup!<br /> =============<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns<br /> <br /> Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. <br /> <br /> All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom."<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. <br /> <br /> Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. <br /> <br /> At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. <br /> <br /> They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. <br /> <br /> It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. <br /> <br /> Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. <br /> <br /> After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. <br /> <br /> Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. <br /> <br /> Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. <br /> <br /> Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. <br /> <br /> In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. <br /> <br /> She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. <br /> <br /> Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. <br /> <br /> Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. <br /> <br /> She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? <br /> <br /> Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. <br /> <br /> He was something to see now. <br /> <br /> "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. <br /> <br /> What? He was on his way out? At this hour? <br /> <br /> Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late."<br /> <br /> Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up."<br /> <br /> With that, he headed for the door. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel."<br /> <br /> Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. <br /> <br /> Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. <br /> <br /> "What's the matter?"<br /> <br /> There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. <br /> <br /> A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?"<br /> <br /> Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. <br /> <br /> "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. <br /> <br /> Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. <br /> <br /> After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. <br /> <br /> A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. <br /> <br /> However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. <br /> <br /> The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today."<br /> <br /> Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. <br /> <br /> Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was the man in the picture! <br /> <br /> So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? <br /> <br /> This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. <br /> <br /> Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. <br /> <br /> The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. <br /> <br /> "Hello!"<br /> <br /> It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. <br /> <br /> She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. <br /> <br /> The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. <br /> <br /> The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. <br /> <br /> Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. <br /> <br /> Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. <br /> <br /> It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. <br /> <br /> After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks.<br /> <br /> At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. <br /> <br /> All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel?<br /> <br /> Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. <br /> <br /> It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. <br /> <br /> Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? <br /> <br /> She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. <br /> <br /> She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. <br /> <br /> "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?"<br /> <br /> The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. <br /> <br /> "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?"<br /> <br /> "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. <br /> <br /> "You know what, forget it!"<br /> <br /> The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. <br /> <br /> They were talking about her as if she were an object. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. <br /> <br /> Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. <br /> <br /> "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?"<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her."<br /> <br /> Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..."<br /> <br /> Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. <br /> <br /> Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. <br /> <br /> The woman was indeed Lauren! <br /> <br /> Absence made the heart grow fonder! <br /> <br /> Every word drove a knife into her heart. <br /> <br /> Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. <br /> <br /> She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. <br /> <br /> "Raegan?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 One-sided Love<br /> <br /> Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. <br /> <br /> Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!"<br /> <br /> Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. <br /> <br /> Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? <br /> <br /> With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it."<br /> <br /> Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. <br /> <br /> Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. <br /> <br /> It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. <br /> <br /> To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. <br /> <br /> Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. <br /> <br /> In the elevator. <br /> <br /> Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. <br /> <br /> She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. <br /> <br /> Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. <br /> <br /> She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. <br /> <br /> Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. <br /> <br /> She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. <br /> <br /> Several employees were chatting inside. <br /> <br /> "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back."<br /> <br /> "And who is that?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!"<br /> <br /> "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?"<br /> <br /> "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!"<br /> <br /> Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. <br /> <br /> The love was one-sided. <br /> <br /> "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?"<br /> <br /> A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. <br /> <br /> Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. <br /> <br /> The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. <br /> <br /> With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?"<br /> <br /> Raegan said nothing to that. <br /> <br /> Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool."<br /> <br /> Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself."<br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. <br /> <br /> The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. <br /> <br /> Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?"<br /> <br /> It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. <br /> <br /> She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..."<br /> <br /> Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. <br /> <br /> Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. <br /> <br /> Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!"<br /> <br /> Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness."<br /> <br /> Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. <br /> <br /> Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. <br /> <br /> Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. <br /> <br /> This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. <br /> <br /> Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. <br /> <br /> Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?"<br /> <br /> These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. <br /> <br /> "That's enough!"<br /> <br /> Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. <br /> <br /> The entire room fell silent. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. <br /> <br /> But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me."<br /> <br /> The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. <br /> <br /> Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?"<br /> <br /> His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. <br /> <br /> No one dared to make a sound at this moment. <br /> <br /> Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. <br /> <br /> When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. <br /> <br /> Raegan could understand why he took this stand. <br /> <br /> However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. <br /> <br /> Was she truly insignificant to him?<br /> <br /> Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. <br /> <br /> Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. <br /> <br /> Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you."<br /> <br /> Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..."<br /> <br /> "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. <br /> <br /> She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. <br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. <br /> <br /> Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! <br /> <br /> The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. <br /> <br /> Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!"<br /> <br /> Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. <br /> <br /> As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. <br /> <br /> Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. <br /> <br /> Tessa trembled at once. <br /> <br /> With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone."<br /> <br /> The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. <br /> <br /> She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..."<br /> <br /> Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards."<br /> <br /> Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here."<br /> <br /> Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please."<br /> <br /> It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. <br /> <br /> They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. <br /> <br /> Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. <br /> <br /> Closing hour soon rolled by. <br /> <br /> Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. <br /> <br /> He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home."<br /> <br /> Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. <br /> <br /> She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. <br /> <br /> In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. <br /> <br /> How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? <br /> <br /> Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. <br /> <br /> All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. <br /> <br /> Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. <br /> <br /> Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. <br /> <br /> In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. <br /> <br /> Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> Did he come to pick her up? <br /> <br /> At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. <br /> <br /> Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? <br /> <br /> The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. <br /> <br /> Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. <br /> <br /> Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. <br /> <br /> This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Let's Divorce<br /> <br /> Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. <br /> <br /> It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. <br /> <br /> Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. <br /> <br /> She was Lauren. <br /> <br /> Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. <br /> <br /> She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?"<br /> <br /> Raegan was stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. <br /> <br /> After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay."<br /> <br /> She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. <br /> <br /> Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. <br /> <br /> When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. <br /> <br /> The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. <br /> <br /> Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. <br /> <br /> Love could move mountains, they said. <br /> <br /> Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. <br /> <br /> It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. <br /> <br /> As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. <br /> <br /> His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a moment. <br /> <br /> Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? <br /> <br /> Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. <br /> <br /> "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. <br /> <br /> Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. <br /> <br /> There were five missed calls from Mitchel. <br /> <br /> This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. <br /> <br /> Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! <br /> <br /> Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. <br /> <br /> But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring."<br /> <br /> Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours."<br /> <br /> After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. <br /> <br /> He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. <br /> <br /> "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. <br /> <br /> He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. <br /> <br /> Would they have a future? <br /> <br /> Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?"<br /> <br /> The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce."<br /> <br /> "What do you mean?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. <br /> <br /> "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon."<br /> <br /> Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. <br /> <br /> "We will be strangers?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?"<br /> <br /> His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. <br /> <br /> His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... <br /> <br /> After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again."<br /> <br /> After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. <br /> <br /> How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. <br /> <br /> Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. <br /> <br /> It was high time she stopped being a fool. <br /> <br /> Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. <br /> <br /> The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. <br /> <br /> Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. <br /> <br /> His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..."<br /> <br /> "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now."<br /> <br /> A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. <br /> <br /> Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. <br /> <br /> He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. <br /> <br /> "Stop this, will you?"<br /> <br /> A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. <br /> <br /> He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. <br /> <br /> "You have a fever?"<br /> <br /> Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. <br /> <br /> This made the whole situation complicated. <br /> <br /> Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. <br /> <br /> Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?"<br /> <br /> The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. <br /> <br /> He then headed for the elevator. <br /> <br /> In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?"<br /> <br /> "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course."<br /> <br /> "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. <br /> <br /> Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital.<br /> <br /> Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. <br /> <br /> "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. <br /> <br /> He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. <br /> <br /> "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!"<br /> <br /> &13&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-FB_CONTACT-E	106206892171576	Love Story City	https://facebook.com/100083614308933	17,592	2	1,383,420,392,319,142	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Love Story City	120208853568820493	fbweb.moboreader.net	NONE	image		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-FB_CONTACT-ENJ57_9-Core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=961225&accid=1325826931416330&jump=1	2024-05-07 22:18	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441279640_453157950640341_3261557353479676207_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4JSz6ZdDkDIQ7kNvgEfOYxJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDYMebn8IBYuL2NxhaXhTxDI14imfGJDjape8QEop_AuQ&oe=6641D07A	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441337111_802700128070055_5376918379339706188_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=cLLEQVPmIS8Q7kNvgFZ4tGx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCTQLOWLvn8ZSshHaWv18QOZDa2Y-xjQfw9Dh1krM9eRg&oe=6641CEFD	3	Love Story City	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,383	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778144}'	No	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	7300878676677466	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I was her father's best assistant, and he didn't leave me any inheritance.<br /> Jean was a billionaire heiress, and she didn't know it. I'm gonna use her to get my part of inheritance.<br /> “It doesn’t matter if you’re the real deal. The point is that you’re the spitting image of him and his family is looking for the lost heiress.”<br /> “All I need is a girl who’s the right age and fits the description.”Colin continues.<br /> “And what exactly makes you qualified to pull this off over one of the richest people in America?Take your scams somewhere else, Stranger.”Jean says.<br /> ————————<br /> Jean stopped in her tracks when she saw the man in front of her. He didn’t belong here.<br /> He met her eyes and smiled at her, a quick friendly grin of a stranger who just wanted to get a seat and a cup of warm coffee, but it took a second for Jean to snap herself out of her daze.<br /> She was used to strangers at the busy truck stop and twenty-four-hour diner where she worked, but something about this guy had all the hair on the back of her neck standing up. She realized he was still waiting for her to say something. “Have a seat wherever.” She motioned around the small seating area with the pot of coffee she was carrying. “I’ll be right there with a menu.”<br /> The man nodded before he headed to the last table in the corner, sitting with his back to the wall. Even though she knew she’d stared for too long, Jean couldn’t tear her gaze away, trying to figure out what about him threw up all her inner alarms. He was dressed casually enough in black jeans, boots, and t-shirt. But he moved differently than the other truckers and plant workers who wandered in during the day. Usually exhausted from long shifts or sleepless nights on the road, the normal crowd would shuffle or stumble to a table.<br /> This stranger moved gracefully, as though in control of every muscle. And his clothes, although casual, weren’t dirty or ripped or worn looking at all.<br /> His face was clean-shaven, and his short brown hair was shorn in a severe cut. Not the scraggily manes of the guys she was used to serving.<br /> She shook her head and forced herself to focus on her own job, turning away from the handsome stranger to top off the coffee cups of the two truckers eating the largest breakfast the small roadside truck stop served.<br /> As soon as she had them taken care of, she pulled a menu out from behind the checkout stand and walked over to the stranger’s table. “Hi there.” She smiled, trying to make sure none of her curiosity showed in her voice. “Can I start you out with anything to drink?”<br /> “Just water today, Jean.”<br /> She frowned at his use of her name but then she remembered that she wore a nametag just above her right chest. The final piece to her customary uniform of black shorts and a black t-shirt. Now that she thought about it, she was dressed pretty similar to him. Except his pristine, soft-looking shirt probably didn’t have remnants of powdered egg on it.<br /> “Coming right up.” She gave him a quick smile before she started to turn away, expecting him to pull out his phone or turn to the menu in dismissal as all her other customers did.<br /> But he stared intently at her. No smile, no annoyance. It was as though he studied her for something.<br /> She opened her mouth to ask him what he wanted but stopped herself. He was just a weirdo passing through. No need to find out what made him tick. Finally she turned away to work on getting him his drink. As she passed by the other trucker sitting alone at a table, Dickie, one of the three plant workers at the only other occupied table, reached up a hand and snapped his fingers at her.<br /> Jean forced herself to hide her annoyed scowl. Dickie liked it when she got annoyed at his antics. Instead, she turned on her honed waitress smile as she headed over to his table. “Hey, Dickie. Anything I can get you?”<br /> Dickie and his two buddies, Justin and Brent, were regulars here. They all worked night shifts at the local steel galvanizing plant up the road and liked to top things off with a breakfast before heading home. Some days they were all too tired to cause much trouble, but it had been apparent from the second Dickie and his crew walked in that they were extra rowdy today. Which meant it was probably their day off tomorrow and they were celebrating, and they wanted to do it over grits and sausage with her.<br /> Yay for her.<br /> “Yeah, sweetness, can you get me a refill?” He held up his spirit.<br /> The entire idea of breakfast food with spirit churned her stomach, but it was the end of the day for these guys so she didn’t judge. She did judge them for calling her “sweetness.” Back when she’d first gotten the job here at Striker’s Truck Stop, she’d asked a few of the regulars to just call her Jean, but listening wasn’t one of Dickie’s strong suits.<br /> But this was a fight she’d already lost one too many times, so instead of pointing out how well he lived up to his namesake, she leaned forward to grab the spirit, trying not to notice that he held it just a bit farther than necessary so she had to lean over extra far to grab the glass, giving him a better view than he deserved of her breasts pressed against her t-shirt.<br /> A disgusted shiver went through her as she snatched the glass away, her calm, happy facade dropping as she turned to get him his spirit and Stranger his water. She slammed Dickie’s spirit on the table slightly harder than necessary, but it didn’t spill, so she just kept on moving.<br /> “Here you go.” She set Stranger’s water down next to the untouched menu. “Did you know what you want?”<br /> The stranger looked up at her, silent for a mome nt, wearing the same disconcerting expression he’d had on earlier. “Who’s that?” he asked finally, motioning to Dickie’s table.<br /> Jean glanced over her shoulder to where the three men were laughing about something with open mouthfuls of food. “Just a few regulars. You know ’em?” she asked, probing for what he was doing in town.<br /> “Nope.” He didn’t give her any personal information at all. “Just wondering if there was any reason for them to treat you like dog.”<br /> Oh Lord, it was a white knight. The last thing she needed. “Don’t worry about them. Did you know what you wanted?”<br /> “Meat lover’s skillet.” He brought the water to his lips, no straw.<br /> She watched his throat work as he swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing as the cords in his throat moved. She bet he’d be better defined beneath that black t-shirt than any of the lifelong plant workers in this town.<br /> Where were these thoughts coming from? “I’ll get that skillet right out for you.” She retreated back to the kitchen before she could do or say anything to embarrass herself. She didn’t think he’d noticed her staring, but who knew? She already had to be careful. Probably ninety percent of the guys who wandered into Striker’s at odd hours of the night were decent, hardworking guys just looking for a quick meal or caffeine hit before going back to work or hitting the road. But the ten percent like Dickie were a pain in the hip.<br /> If she smiled too much or laughed at their jokes too loud, it was somehow an invitation to touch her and flirt full-on. When she’d first gotten her job at Striker’s two years ago, she’d tried to go along with it, hoping the tips would make up for the skeevey feeling, but apparently the perverts were cheap. Figured.<br /> So now she had to play it extra safe with the new guys to make sure she didn’t accidentally give them the green light to make a move.<br /> “Hey, Richie, can I get a meat lover’s?”<br /> The line cook, an army vet in his fifties with more of his skin covered in tattoos than empty and a burly beard that had somehow never gotten into the food, gave her a nod. “Will do. Is Dickie giving you a hard time?”<br /> “Dickie’s a wanker,” she said softly enough that none of the guests would overhear. “Nothing I can’t handle.”<br /> “Well, you let me know if I need to go out there.”<br /> More white knights. Great. “Really, he’s just annoying. You’re the first one on my list to call if it gets out of hand. Promise.” Richie was nice and all, but she’d never ask him to start anything on her behalf. The owner, Striker himself, had made himself very clear that customers came first when she’d first complained about handsy clientele. Waitresses came and went, but the people who manned these routes were his honored guests. His honored guests he served watered-down spirit and coffee to, but he didn’t care about them as much when it came to what was coming out of his bottom line.<br /> And if Richie caused trouble, they’d both be out on their hip and neither of them would be much use to each other.<br /> “One meat lover’s coming up.” He grabbed ingredients, mixing everything together on the same stovetop where the bacon and sausage were cooked up, ensuring that everything would have a great flavor. There were plenty of things to complain about working here, but the quality of the food was not one of them.<br /> She moved back to the dining area and scanned over her tables. Dickie and his crew seemed to be doing okay. The trucker was pushing away his plates, so she took them for him while discreetly setting his bill on the table, and Stranger should be fine until his food was ready.<br /> But before that could happen, Dickie snapped his fingers at her again. Jean rolled her eyes and started to turn around when she saw that Stranger was staring at her again. It made it so much worse when Dickie was like this in front of other customers. Especially ones who set her on edge like Stranger did.<br /> She’d have to deal with his opinion of her later. For now, she had to answer the call of the snapping. Glancing down at the plates not nearly clear of food, she took a hopeful guess at what they wanted. “Should I grab a few to-go boxes for y’all?”<br /> “Actually, I was hoping for another spirit, hun.”<br /> He was empty already. She wasn’t sure whether she was more annoyed at herself for missing that he needed a refill or at him for drinking so fast when she knew he’d probably be driving himself home. People just didn’t watch out for drunk drivers at nine in the morning.<br /> But he’d only had two so far. Maybe if the next one was his last, it wouldn’t be too bad... “Coming right up.” She reached for the glass.<br /> Except he didn’t hand it to her. Once again, she had to lean across the table in front of Dickie, but this time he didn’t just stare. His hand came out and copped a feel of her hip, squeezing her hard as she yelped in surprise and jumped back.<br /> “Dickie?”<br /> He gave her a mock innocent expression as his little buddies all snickered. “Well, it was right there in front of me. I’m only human.”<br /> “You’re a human piece of—” Jean snapped her mouth shut before she said something that would get her fired. Worse, the angrier she got, the more Dickie enjoyed himself. But that didn’t mean she was going to do nothing. “If you do that again, Striker is going to hear about it.” Striker wouldn’t do a terrible thing, but it was a worthwhile threat.<br /> He held up his hands. “Fine, fine. But I do need another spirit.”<br /> Jean tightened her lips as she waited to see whether he was really done or just gearing up for round two. But if Striker found out she’d refused to get a paying customer more spirit. Namely, she’d be out on the job market again. It had taken her forever to even get this waitressing gig, so she wasn’t ready to be out on the unemployment market, no matter how terrible it was right now.<br /> Ten minutes. She could do this for ten minutes more. And then she’d do it for another ten. And she’d keep on with it until her shift was over and she could relax at home.<br /> Jean held out her hand. “Give me your glass,” she said sharply, not wanting to play any more of his stupid games.<br /> “I don’t know what has you in such a terrible mood. I was just joking around.” Dickie started to hand her his empty glass.<br /> “I guess I don’t get the joke,” she bit out as she reached for the glass. At the last second, he dropped it, and out of instinct, she jerked forward to grab it before it fell on all the food. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dickie rear to go for another feel, but his hand never made contact. Jean started to back away as quick as possible, glass in hand, and Stranger was already there. He stood between her and Dickie, holding Dickie’s wrist at an awkward angle as he stared down dispassionately at the man.<br /> “I think it’s time for you to leave,” he said in a calm voice. As though everyone should listen to the orders he gave.<br /> Of course, Dickie wasn’t easy to order around. “Who do you think you—”<br /> Stranger bent Dickie’s hand at an unnatural angle. The sickening sounds of cracking filled the diner. Dickie’s face immediately went ashen as Jean stumbled back, covering her mouth with her hand.<br /> “I’m the man who thinks you should leave.”<br /> The blood rushed from Jean’s face. Even though it wasn’t directed at her, the words were so calm and he seemed so...sure of himself. As though he knew he could follow through on any threats he made.<br /> Dickie’s two friends both started to stand, and visions of the fight that would happen on her watch raced through her mind. No way. She reached forward and grabbed the stranger’s arm as she tried to pull him back to his table.<br /> The second she touched him, she became aware of two things. One was that his arm was rock hard. Two, there was no way she could move him anywhere if he didn’t want to go.<br /> But she tugged him and he allowed her to move him until they were in the back corner of the restaurant. “You need to leave.” She looked over Stranger’s shoulder to where Dickie’s friends stood around him, taking stock of his broken hand. Belatedly, she realized she was still touching the man, and she jerked her hand away.<br /> Stranger shrugged, obviously not worried about the three-to-one odds. “He needed to learn some manners.”<br /> “It’s not your job to teach him anything.”<br /> “You obviously weren’t going to tell him to keep his hands to himself. Only fair I give him a taste of his own medicine.”<br /> “Well, if word of your medicine reaches my boss, I’ll be out of a job. So you need to get out of here before Dickie and his buddies get their nerve up.”<br /> “If you’re worried about a job, I can take care of that.”<br /> Jean’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”<br /> “It’s why I’m here. I have an opportunity for you that could set you up for life.”<br /> Dickie stood and walked over. Somehow Stranger knew. “Let’s go somewhere more private to talk about it.” He reached for her and Jean jumped away.<br /> “What? No. This is your last warning. You need to leave or I’m going to call the cops.”<br /> He glanced over his shoulder, and even though Jean couldn’t see his face, it must’ve been terrifying since all three of the approaching men stopped in their tracks.<br /> “Fine. This obviously wasn’t a good time. I’ll be talking to you later,” he warned as he plopped a twenty down on his table and, while shooting a glare at Dickie, walked out. The door slammed shut behind him.<br /> ...<br /> Colin parked his truck at the gas station next to the diner where he could still see through the large windows. Jean was saying something to the three wankers who had been giving her a hard time, but he couldn’t tell what. Probably apologizing for him.<br /> Well,he shouldn’t have gotten in the middle of anything. This entire trip had been a scouting mission. To check up on Jean and see whether she was anything like her mother or father. So far she’d seemed perfectly pleasant, which meant she was nothing like either of her parents.<br /> Admittedly, he had much more experience with one parent th an the other. Her father had been a lying wanker who left a trail of misery wherever he went. For some stupid reason, Colin thought he’d be the exception to this rule. But once Walter Farrell had died, he’d given Colin the ultimate middle finger by leaving him nothing in his will. The wanker had billions and he didn’t leave Colin a single penny.<br /> Colin had fought for that man. Bled for him. Not to mention making others bleed... Now it was time to get what was owed to him, and Jean was the key to doing that.<br /> After a few minutes, the guys who had been giving Jean a hard time stormed out of the diner. From the way the main one, the one with the now broken hand, slammed the door, they were still pissed. But the fact that they were leaving meant they probably hadn’t called the cops, which was a good sign. He had things to do in this small town, and getting the attention of the police wouldn’t make things easier.<br /> As the men drove off and Colin determined they weren’t an immediate threat, he hopped back into the driver’s seat of the shiny new rental pickup truck and grabbed his file on Jean. He’d read it at least a dozen times before, but now that he’d seen her in person, he wanted to scan through the pages again.<br /> Jean Hill was born January 3, 1986, which made her younger than all four of her brothers from the Farrell side of the family. Walter had mentioned that he’d met her mother when she was working in Vegas as a bartender during one of the worse moments of his third marriage. Though, from what Colin picked up on, every moment of Walter’s marriages was bad. Mainly from him doing stupid thing like sleeping with bartenders in Vegas.<br /> After getting pregnant, Jean’s mother, Katherine, moved back home to Arkansas, probably to get family to help raise Jean. Except she burned through the payout Walter gave her to keep quiet in record time, and after a series of fights, Katherine was kicked out and Jean was raised by her grandmother until she died ten years ago, leaving Jean back with her deadbeat mother.<br /> Between the school system in Katherine’s hometown and the empty bank accounts of everyone involved, Jean never stood much chance of getting anywhere. So she’d bounced around the small town of Winslow, Arkansas ever since graduating from high school. Worked as a waitress at a few places and even as a receptionist/bookkeeper at a smaller manufacturing company one town over. But when that went out of business, she was right back to waitressing. She’d inherited her grandmother’s trailer that, although being kept up well over the years, was still in need of repairs.<br /> Really, her situation was perfect for him. She was stuck in a hard place and he was going to be her answer. He was going to offer her a solution to all her problems and give her the life of her dreams. She’d be so swept away by this windfall of good luck that she’d never realize he was stealing five hundred million dollars from her.<br /> ...<br /> Jean<br /> Except the peace outside of her home was broken when a pickup she didn’t recognize drove in front and parked. Her heart sunk as the stranger from earlier that morning stepped out and immediately met her eyes.<br /> Jean tensed and wished he wasn’t standing between her and her trailer. Especially considering her handy shotgun was kept loaded and ready to go right next to the door. Girl living alone had to be prepared. She was caught unprepared and cursed herself for it.<br /> “What are you doing here?” she asked as she approached.<br /> Stranger walked around until he leaned against the passenger door to his truck and crossed his arms over his chest. “Lookin’ for you. Figured that would be obvious by where I parked.”<br /> Great. A violent smart wanker at her front door. Just what this day needed. “And I thought the annoyed expression on my face would make it obvious that you’re not wanted here.”<br /> He smiled at her, but his eyes were shielded by dark sunglasses, making it impossible to determine his true expression. “Like I said earlier, I want to talk to you. I’m assuming now that you’re off work you have a few minutes?”<br /> Unease raced down her spine as she remembered that she’d only gotten home a fe w minutes ago. Either him getting to her place right now was a coincidence or he’d been following her. “How did you know I’d be here? Where did you even get my address?”<br /> “I searched you out after I saw this.” He reached in his back pocket and pulled out a piece of paper.<br /> Jean stared warily at his outstretched hand, not sure how close she wanted to get. It was broad daylight and there were plenty of people around, but even so, something held her back. Based off what she’d seen this morning, this wasn’t the kind of guy who let a little thing like witnesses stop him from doing anything.<br /> Stranger must’ve picked up on her wariness. “I won’t bite. Promise.”<br /> Jean didn’t believe him for a minute, but she forced herself to move forward just far enough to snatch the paper from his hand. She turned it over and studied it. He’d handed her a printout of an Internet article about Striker’s Truck Stop. The photo with the write-up showed Striker himself and all the waitresses, smiling as if they enjoyed their jobs. To be fair, some of them did. She was just more negative than most.<br /> Jean looked back up at Stranger. “So you’re pissed about not getting your meat lover’s omelet? Because I don’t think you’re allowed to come back there any time soon.”<br /> The corner of his mouth hooked up. “Yeah. That was probably a mistake.”<br /> “Breaking a guy’s hand is normally a mistake.”<br /> “He deserved it.”<br /> “And it’s your job to give people what they deserve?”<br /> “Only when it’s fun. And, trust me, Jean, that was fun.”<br /> Jean took a nervous gulp as she fought the urge to step back. “But none of this tells me what you’re doing here. Are you worried about me talking to the cops? Because I’m going to tell them what I saw, no more and no less, okay?”<br /> “I’m sure I’ll be long gone before that jackass gets the balls to report me.”<br /> “So you saw an article I was in the background of and came all the way out here to my home in order to...what?”<br /> “Have you ever heard of Walter Farrell?”<br /> “Umm...he’s some rich dude, right? The one who just died?”<br /> “Yep. Made billons in real estate and left his entire fortune to his family.”<br /> She stared at him blankly, trying really hard to follow but she had no idea where he was going with this. “Must be nice to be his family.”<br /> “That’s what I’m here about. Here’s a picture of his family.” He pulled another piece of paper out of his back pocket.<br /> Jean took the picture from him easier this time, less convinced he was about to pounce at any minute. She still believed he was more than dangerous, but if he’d wanted to hurt her, he’d had more than one chance already.<br /> The picture was of five men, one older and the rest younger. They looked to all be related. The older one had white hair, but his distinctive cheekbones and blue eyes matched the four men standing around him. She was willing to bet that the older one, Walter Farrell probably, had dark hair like the other guys when he was younger.<br /> “Okay, I’m starting to get annoyed by this. What’s your point?”	LEARN_MORE	https://a.shepherdsapp.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvMTcxNzAx	110620302003689	Pop001	https://facebook.com/100092038763039	397	1	443,525,091,500,391	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Pop001	120208869384320338	a.shepherdsapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.shepherdsapp.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvMTcxNzAxLzIwMjQwNTA4MTA1MDM1L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 21:55	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441203354_429604009777916_3629557102101142355_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MqWGS8r-1CQQ7kNvgG50Olw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfD-WWjdryk62rmRehP573OlIbviVx-Jn2t8W3-1Mq_CwA&oe=6641C991	person_profile	Pop001	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440367715_781370890753410_370748625606633324_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zmIkqkgwKdMQ7kNvgEt3-X7&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCNBjZ15UhLKyMWxO0ZXO-mHQtQBvCuBYNLsGx3Dsix4w&oe=6641DD69	3	Pop001	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,778,960	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778979}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	966927618467962	Enjoy Romance🥰Read More 👉	She signed the divorce papers and left without taking her phone. He checked her phone and got floored at the message: Please come tomorrow for another prenatal care checkup!<br /> =============<br /> <br /> Chapter 1 Ex-girlfriend Returns<br /> <br /> Raegan Hayes was a little absent-minded at the moment. <br /> <br /> All she could think of since this afternoon was the doctor's words. "Congratulations! You are going to be a mom."<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Mitchel Dixon pinched her arm. His low voice came the next second. "Come back to earth. What are you thinking about?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel was her husband. They had been married secretly for two years. He was her superior at work, the president of the Dixon Group. <br /> <br /> Everything had happened so fast. She was newly employed in the company when they unexpectedly got married. <br /> <br /> At that time, Mitchel's grandfather fell seriously ill. It was then he proposed a fake marriage just to fulfill his grandfather's dying wish. <br /> <br /> They signed a prenup, agreeing to hide their marriage from the public. Their union could be terminated at any time. <br /> <br /> It was an unconventional thing to do. However, Raegan only considered herself lucky at that time. <br /> <br /> Never in a million years did she think she would ever get married to the man she had a crush on for eight years. She delightfully agreed. <br /> <br /> After their marriage, Mitchel was very busy. He spent most of his time working. <br /> <br /> Raegan wished she could spend more time with him at home. However, she was rest assured because there hadn't been any rumors or scandals about him with women in the past two years. <br /> <br /> Except for his mild indifference, Mitchel was a perfect husband. <br /> <br /> Raegan had mixed feelings as she stared at the medical report. <br /> <br /> In the end, she decided to tell Mitchel this news. <br /> <br /> She also wanted to tell him that she hadn't learned about him for the first time two years ago and that she had been crushing on him for many years before then. <br /> <br /> Just then, Mitchel’s phone rang. He went to the balcony and answered the phone. <br /> <br /> Raegan checked the time and found that it was already midnight. <br /> <br /> She felt a little uneasy. Who would call Mitchel at this hour? <br /> <br /> Mitchel spent a few minutes on the balcony. Thereafter, he returned and changed into formal attire. His handsome face which had a clear outline made him look dignified. <br /> <br /> He was something to see now. <br /> <br /> "Don't wait up for me. Good night," he said finally. <br /> <br /> What? He was on his way out? At this hour? <br /> <br /> Raegan's grip on the report tightened as she stared at him in disappointment. Unconsciously, she withdrew slightly. After thinking for a while, she blurted out, "It's already so late."<br /> <br /> Mitchel's fingers froze on his tie. With a faint smile, he pinched her earlobe and said, "Be good, okay? There's something I have to do. Don't wait up."<br /> <br /> With that, he headed for the door. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel."<br /> <br /> Raegan quickly ran and caught up with him. <br /> <br /> Mitchel turned around and looked at her seriously. <br /> <br /> "What's the matter?"<br /> <br /> There was a tinge of coldness to his voice. An icy cloud hung over them as they stared at each other. <br /> <br /> A little distressed, Raegan asked in a low voice, "I would like to visit my grandma tomorrow. Can you accompany me there?"<br /> <br /> Her grandmother always wanted to see her. As a result, Raegan wanted to take Mitchel there to assure her grandma they were happy. <br /> <br /> "Let's talk about it tomorrow, okay?" Without agreeing or declining, Mitchel left in a hurry. <br /> <br /> Several thoughts were threading Raegan's mind. She couldn't sleep a wink. <br /> <br /> After tossing and turning for a long time, she went to the kitchen and made herself a warm glass of milk. <br /> <br /> A few notifications from some online blogs came into her phone. <br /> <br /> However, she wasn't interested in them. She was about to swipe them away when one of them caught her attention. The familiar name made her click on it. <br /> <br /> The news read, "Famous designer, Lauren Murray was spotted at the airport with her mysterious boyfriend earlier today."<br /> <br /> Lauren was wearing a bucket hat. The man's figure was vague, but the outline of his body was enough to show that he was dashing. <br /> <br /> Raegan zoomed in on the picture. The next second, her heart dropped. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was the man in the picture! <br /> <br /> So, he canceled the afternoon meeting just to go pick up his ex-girlfriend from the airport? <br /> <br /> This realization settled like a boulder in Raegan's gut, rendering her flustered. <br /> <br /> Her hands trembled. Subconsciously, she dialed Mitchel's number. <br /> <br /> The dial tone brought her back to her senses. Just as she was about to hang up, the line connected, and a voice came from the other end. <br /> <br /> "Hello!"<br /> <br /> It was a particularly gentle woman's voice. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a second and then threw the phone away. <br /> <br /> She suddenly felt sick in her stomach. Covering her mouth, she ran into the bathroom and threw up in the toilet bowl. <br /> <br /> The next morning, Raegan went to work on time. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had tried to get her to stop working after they got married. Stubbornly, she insisted on making her own money. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't kick against her decision, but he asked her to work as his assistant, helping him with the daily chores. <br /> <br /> The head assistant, Matteo Jenkins was left to take care of the major affairs Mitchel had. <br /> <br /> Matteo was the only Dixon Group employee who knew about their marriage. <br /> <br /> Since inception, only male assistants were hired for the president's office. Reagan was the first and only female. Her employment broke the protocol. As a result, other workers couldn't help but wonder if she was involved with Mitchel. <br /> <br /> It took a while before they realized that Mitchel never gave Raegan special treatment. Strangely, this made them despise her even more. <br /> <br /> After all, no one would last long in anything while taking advantage of their looks.<br /> <br /> At this time, one of Raegan's colleagues handed her a document and ordered her to take it to Mitchel's office. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't return home last night. Raegan was so worried that she didn't sleep at all. <br /> <br /> All she kept thinking about was the woman who answered his phone when she called. What was her relationship with Mitchel?<br /> <br /> Raegan already knew the answer to that, but she was still in denial. <br /> <br /> It was difficult for her to come to terms with that fact. <br /> <br /> Raegan tried to remain calm now. She reasoned that no matter what happened, she deserved a result that would be rewarding for all the years she spent loving Mitchel. This couldn't be all for nothing, right? <br /> <br /> She pressed the elevator button calmly and went up to the president's office. Before she walked out of the elevator, she smoothed her hair to make sure she looked good. <br /> <br /> She had arrived at the office, only to see that the door was ajar. A man's voice came. She halted instantly. <br /> <br /> "Come on, man! Do you have any feelings for Raegan or not?"<br /> <br /> The voice belonged to Luis Stevens, a childhood friend of Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> "What do you mean exactly?" Mitchel asked in a cold voice. <br /> <br /> "You know exactly what I mean!" Luis clicked his tongue impatiently and added, "I think Raegan is a good girl. Isn't she your type?"<br /> <br /> "Do you want me to hand her over to you?" Mitchel asked carelessly. <br /> <br /> "You know what, forget it!"<br /> <br /> The scornful laughter of Luis sounded particularly harsh in Raegan's ears. <br /> <br /> They were talking about her as if she were an object. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and tightened her grip on the document. <br /> <br /> Soon, Luis's voice was heard again. <br /> <br /> "By the way, I saw the gossip news about Lauren's mysterious boyfriend this morning. That was you, right?"<br /> <br /> "Yes."<br /> <br /> "Well, well, well! That woman still has you wrapped around her little finger. You always want to please her."<br /> <br /> Luis sighed and continued to tease Mitchel. "As the old saying goes, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Tell me, did you two..."<br /> <br /> Their conversation was like a thunder exploding over Raegan's head. <br /> <br /> Her face turned pale and her body was as cold as ice. <br /> <br /> The woman was indeed Lauren! <br /> <br /> Absence made the heart grow fonder! <br /> <br /> Every word drove a knife into her heart. <br /> <br /> Several whispering voices filled her head at this time. She suddenly felt light-headed. Her vision became blurry. <br /> <br /> She held the wall and took a step backward. Suddenly, the door was opened from inside. <br /> <br /> "Raegan?"<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 2 One-sided Love<br /> <br /> Luis was the one who opened the door. It appeared he was on his way out. <br /> <br /> Raegan balled her hands, turned to him, and nodded. "Hey, Mr. Stevens!"<br /> <br /> Without waiting for him to respond to her greeting, she walked past him and entered the office with the document. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was seated behind a large luxurious desk. In an expensive suit and matching tie, he looked particularly handsome. <br /> <br /> Raegan noticed it wasn't the same suit he had on when he left home last night. How did he get changed? <br /> <br /> With her eyes lowered, she swallowed that question and said instead, "Mr. Dixon, this is from the Marketing Department. Please sign it."<br /> <br /> Mitchel was expressionless as he signed the document at a glance. <br /> <br /> Raegan walked out the door as soon as he handed the document back to her. Luis was still standing at the threshold. <br /> <br /> It wasn't until she went out of sight that Luis turned to Mitchel and said in a hushed tone, "Do you think she heard us?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's appealing eyes were expressionless at the moment. Obviously, he wasn't paying attention to what Luis was saying. <br /> <br /> To Mitchel, Raegan had always been docile and never felt jealous of anyone. <br /> <br /> Her strict obedience was all Mitchel demanded from her in exchange for treating her well. <br /> <br /> In the elevator. <br /> <br /> Raegan held her breath just to hold back her tears. Unfortunately, it didn't work. <br /> <br /> She had thought two years would be enough for Mitchel to realize how much she loved him and reciprocate her love. <br /> <br /> Now, it turned out that was just a pipe dream. <br /> <br /> She realized she would always play second fiddle to Lauren, Mitchel's true love. <br /> <br /> Reagan wiped her tears when the elevator halted. Save for her pale face, she looked normal when the doors opened. <br /> <br /> She dragged herself to the break room, intending to make herself a cup of tea. <br /> <br /> Several employees were chatting inside. <br /> <br /> "Guys, have you heard? Lauren Murray is back."<br /> <br /> "And who is that?"<br /> <br /> "Oh, my! You don't know her? Lauren is the heiress of the Murray Group as well as a world-class designer. Most importantly, she's the only girlfriend Mr. Dixon has ever shown off in public. She's his first love!"<br /> <br /> "Why is her return such a big deal? Isn't it rumored that there is something between Mr. Dixon and Raegan?"<br /> <br /> "Raegan? She's nothing to Mr. Dixon. Mr. Dixon never admitted that he was dating her. And that is no surprise to me. After all, look at her. She's not even that beautiful. Yet, she behaves as if she's already Mrs. Dixon. What a fool!"<br /> <br /> Standing at the door, Raegan smiled with self-mockery as she listened to them. It turned out everyone else saw the truth except her. <br /> <br /> The love was one-sided. <br /> <br /> "Ha-ha, have you finally woken up from your wild dream, Raegan?"<br /> <br /> A voice of mockery suddenly came from behind. Raegan turned around to see Tessa Lloyd, Mitchel's cousin, who had always despised her. <br /> <br /> Tessa must have also heard the employees gossiping. <br /> <br /> The last thing Raegan wanted to do now was argue with Tessa in the company. She turned to leave, but Tessa blocked her way. <br /> <br /> With a cup of coffee in her hand, Tessa uttered sarcastically, "Lauren is back now. Do you think Mitchel will still give you any attention?"<br /> <br /> Raegan said nothing to that. <br /> <br /> Seconds later, Tessa continued the ridicule. "Maybe it’s time for you to seek out another man, you pathetic fool."<br /> <br /> Raegan clenched her fists and said coldly, "Ms. Lloyd, if you are interested in that kind of thing, feel free to pursue it yourself."<br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Raegan's retort made Tessa's face change. <br /> <br /> The next second, Tessa raised her hand and emptied the cup of coffee on Raegan. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't think for a second that Tessa would do something so crazy. She held up her arms just to block the liquid from her face. In no time, the coffee drenched her clothes. <br /> <br /> Raegan frowned. "What did you do that for? Are you out of your mind?"<br /> <br /> It was lunch break and many employees were free to watch the drama. Tessa was even more complacent when she saw growing onlookers. <br /> <br /> She put on a mean-girl look as she said, "What makes you so smug every day, huh? Do you seriously think that others don't know you are just an orphan? The nerve of..."<br /> <br /> Tessa was silenced by Raegan’s shove. <br /> <br /> Her jaw dropped to the floor. She had never expected that Raegan, who was so quiet and timid, would shove her. <br /> <br /> Tessa stuttered, "You... You pushed me? How dare you!"<br /> <br /> Raegan eyed her and replied, "Yes, I did! It seems you need to be taught simple politeness."<br /> <br /> Indeed, she lost her parents when she was a child. But that didn't mean she would allow someone to walk over her for it. <br /> <br /> Wrinkles appeared on Tessa's face as she frowned in anger. As Mitchel's cousin, she was used to being fawned over and respected. This was the first time she had been treated like this. <br /> <br /> Tessa charged at Raegan like a raging bull, poised to retaliate. <br /> <br /> This time, Raegan was fully prepared for what was coming. She grabbed Tessa's wrist so that the latter couldn't move another inch. <br /> <br /> Tessa was shorter than Raegan. As a result, she struggled like an octopus that had one of its tentacles stuck in a fishing trap. <br /> <br /> Tessa cursed angrily, "How dare you put your hands on me? Who do you think you are?"<br /> <br /> These harsh words attracted more people to the break room. <br /> <br /> "That's enough!"<br /> <br /> Out of the blue, a baritone came from behind. Mitchel had left his office and ran into this hullabaloo. <br /> <br /> The entire room fell silent. <br /> <br /> "Mitchel?" Tessa's blood ran cold at the sight of Mitchel. She had always been scared of him. Her mother also warned her against provoking him. <br /> <br /> But when she remembered that Raegan humiliated her, she put on a pitiful expression and sobbed. "Mitchel, she bullied me."<br /> <br /> The sunlight from outside fell on Mitchel's handsome face. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt so grieved all of a sudden, and lowered her head to look at her clothes which were soaked with coffee. <br /> <br /> Their gaze met in the air. With a deep frown, Mitchel looked at Raegan and said, "Raegan, have you forgotten the rules of the company?"<br /> <br /> His ruthlessness made Raegan's breathing cease. She couldn't believe her ears. <br /> <br /> No one dared to make a sound at this moment. <br /> <br /> Raegan just stood straight there with her slender figure. <br /> <br /> When she got employed here, Mitchel had told her that the Dixon Group wasn't a place for her to mess around and that he would not tolerate her making any mistakes. <br /> <br /> Raegan could understand why he took this stand. <br /> <br /> However, at this moment, she was desperate to know whether Mitchel had heard those hard words Tessa scolded her or he was just pretending not to have heard because he agreed to those words. <br /> <br /> Was she truly insignificant to him?<br /> <br /> Scared to death by Mitchel's rage, the crowd soon dispersed. A few employees were bold enough to peep from a distance, unwilling to miss the good show. <br /> <br /> Mitchel's cold eyes made Raegan shiver from head to toe. <br /> <br /> Raegan pinched her palm to suppress her emotions as she looked at Tessa. <br /> <br /> "I'm sorry, Ms. Lloyd. As an employee of the Dixon Group, it was wrong of me to have offended you."<br /> <br /> Eyeing Raegan, Tessa raised her chin complacently. "Humph! Don't think you'll be let off the hook just by making a simple apology. I don't buy..."<br /> <br /> "The offence has nothing to do with the company. Personally, I refuse to apologize to you. Now, if you'd excuse me," Raegan chimed in. <br /> <br /> She then walked past Mitchel without sparing him another look. <br /> <br /> "You..."<br /> <br /> Tessa's face turned blue after hearing what Raegan said. <br /> <br /> Never in her years of being alive had she been so humiliated. She was always the bully, not the victim! <br /> <br /> The humiliation was so much that scolding Raegan wouldn't appease her anger. <br /> <br /> Pointing in Raegan's direction, Tessa shouted, "Mitchel, did you hear what that woman just said? She humiliated me, yet she's still so arrogant. Call her back. I have to teach her some manners!"<br /> <br /> Mitchel, staring at Raegan's thin back, had an ambiguous expression at this moment. <br /> <br /> "Enough!" he said coldly, raising his hand. <br /> <br /> As someone who lived and breathed drama and cruelty, Tessa didn't think Mitchel was partial to Raegan just now. She assumed that Mitchel didn't care about Raegan at all. <br /> <br /> Tessa gritted her teeth and said viciously, "Next time, I'll get someone to teach her a lesson."<br /> <br /> "Tessa!" Mitchel's tone and squint made it a reproof. <br /> <br /> Tessa trembled at once. <br /> <br /> With a somber face, Mitchel said, "I'll only say it once. Forget about what happened here today. Leave Raegan alone."<br /> <br /> The aura he exuded made her tongue go dry. All the vicious ideas she had in store against Raegan disappeared in an instant. <br /> <br /> She stammered, "Ok... Okay, got it..."<br /> <br /> Mitchel cast a cold glance at her and spoke to Matteo. "Irrelevant people wouldn't be allowed in here from today onwards."<br /> <br /> Without catching the drift, Tessa flattered Mitchel. "Nice call. This is a top company. Not everyone gains access in here."<br /> <br /> Matteo nodded to Mitchel and then walked over to Tessa. He gestured to the exit. "Ms. Lloyd, this way, please."<br /> <br /> It wasn't until this moment that Tessa realized that she was the irrelevant person Mitchel just mentioned. She tried to speak to him, but Matteo blocked her way. The security guards then escorted her out. <br /> <br /> They showed her no mercy. Her struggle was useless. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Raegan got changed when she returned to her office. <br /> <br /> Her heart was filled with sadness as she thought of how Mitchel looked at her minutes ago. <br /> <br /> Closing hour soon rolled by. <br /> <br /> Raegan took her bag and headed for the exit. However, Matteo stopped her. <br /> <br /> He said, "Mr. Dixon has something urgent to deal with, so he asked me to drive you home."<br /> <br /> Raegan declined the ride without thinking twice. <br /> <br /> She was blind before, but now she could see through the situation. <br /> <br /> In Mitchel's eyes, she was just a nobody. <br /> <br /> How could Mitchel agree to accompany her to visit her grandmother when he didn't even care about her? <br /> <br /> Upon arriving at the hospital, Raegan saw that the nurse was about to feed her grandmother dinner. Raegan took the job over and did it by herself. <br /> <br /> All her life, her grandmother had been living in the countryside, enjoying a quiet life. Everything changed last month when her routine medical checkup showed that she was in need of medical care. Raegan insisted on bringing her to the city for better treatment. <br /> <br /> Her grandmother wasn't aware of her marriage to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> Raegan had planned to surprise her today. But as it turned out, that was no longer necessary. <br /> <br /> Raegan waited for her grandmother to fall asleep before she left. She walked out of the hospital and waited for a taxi. <br /> <br /> In the distance, a black luxury car pulled into the entrance of the hospital. <br /> <br /> Raegan's eyes lit up when she saw it. She recognized that car as Mitchel's. <br /> <br /> Did he come to pick her up? <br /> <br /> At this moment, she forgot all the pain she had been feeling. <br /> <br /> Were her thoughts about him all wrong? Did he care for her, contrary to the gossip? <br /> <br /> The door of the driver's side opened and Mitchel got out. <br /> <br /> Raegan started walking toward him with her heart brimming with joy. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, she stopped dead in her tracks. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had just walked over to the other side and carried a woman out of the car. <br /> <br /> Worry and compassion were written all over his handsome face. <br /> <br /> This wiped the smile on Raegan's face. Her heart sank. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Chapter 3 Let's Divorce<br /> <br /> Mitchel's tall and straight figure got closer and closer to Raegan. And then, without saying a word, he strode past Raegan. <br /> <br /> It was hard to tell if Mitchel saw Raegan or just ignored her. <br /> <br /> Regardless, Raegan noticed that the woman in his arms was the same one who had been photographed with him yesterday. <br /> <br /> She was Lauren. <br /> <br /> Raegan's shoes felt like they were made of lead as she walked away. <br /> <br /> She lost all awareness of her surroundings. She got into a taxi absentmindedly. <br /> <br /> Suddenly, the driver uttered, "Ma'am, where to?"<br /> <br /> Raegan was stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> She didn't want to go back to Serenity Villas. It was only a matter of time before that place stopped being her home. <br /> <br /> After a while, she replied, "Please take me to Crystal Bay."<br /> <br /> She had purchased an apartment at Crystal Bay after getting married to Mitchel. <br /> <br /> At the time, she had hopes of bringing her grandmother to the city, so she bought the apartment on mortgage. It wasn't that big, but it had more than enough space for two people. <br /> <br /> Mitchel didn't understand why she wanted to buy an apartment. He offered to give her a bigger one, but she declined. <br /> <br /> Looking back now, she realized that buying that apartment was the only wise decision she had ever made in the last two years. <br /> <br /> When she arrived at the apartment complex, Raegan sat in the park alone, trying to cool herself down. <br /> <br /> The memories of the past two years were bittersweet. <br /> <br /> Two years had passed in the blink of an eye even though it was more than seven hundred days and nights. <br /> <br /> Love could move mountains, they said. <br /> <br /> Yet, her love didn't move that stone of a man. She finally realized what a fool she had been. She had been making herself a laughingstock in front of everyone. <br /> <br /> It was already late in the night before Raegan finally decided to go into her apartment. <br /> <br /> As soon as she stepped out of the elevator, she saw Mitchel standing in front of the door. <br /> <br /> His sleeves were rolled up casually, and the top buttons of his shirt were undone, which revealed his long neck and part of his collarbone. He was leaning on the wall by the door, his handsome face straight. <br /> <br /> Raegan froze for a moment. <br /> <br /> Why was he here? Didn't she see him at the hospital with Lauren? What brought him here? <br /> <br /> Their eyes met. With his coat draped over his arm and one of his hands in his pocket, Mitchel squinted at her. <br /> <br /> "Why didn't you answer the phone?" he asked, sounding a little grumpy like someone who hadn't slept in a long time. <br /> <br /> Raegan took out her phone and saw she had accidentally put it on DND. <br /> <br /> There were five missed calls from Mitchel. <br /> <br /> This marked the first time in their two-year marriage. <br /> <br /> Mitchel blew up her phone because he couldn't find her? Surprising! <br /> <br /> Before today, she would have been overjoyed by this. People would've thought she won the lottery. <br /> <br /> But now, she just threw her phone back into her bag, folded her arms, and said in a hoarse voice, "I didn't hear it ring."<br /> <br /> Mitchel raised his hand to check the time on the watch, and said impatiently, "I've been looking for you for two hours."<br /> <br /> After arranging everything for Lauren, he returned home to find an empty house. He looked for Raegan everywhere. When he couldn't find her, he asked Matteo to check the surveillance footage of all the roads that led away from the company. <br /> <br /> He later found out that Raegan went to Crystal Bay without telling him. <br /> <br /> "Next time, tell me when you are coming here, okay? Let's go home now." After that, Mitchel walked toward the elevator without sparing her another glance. <br /> <br /> He meant to go back to Serenity Villas. <br /> <br /> Raegan didn't move an inch. She just stared at his broad back and pondered reluctantly. <br /> <br /> Would they have a future? <br /> <br /> Mitchell turned around, only to see that Raegan hadn't taken a single step. He frowned and asked, "Can't you walk? Do you want me to carry you instead?"<br /> <br /> The light in the corridor illuminated his face, making his side profile almost impeccable. <br /> <br /> Raegan took a deep breath and said, "Let's divorce."<br /> <br /> "What do you mean?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel's voice was cold, and his handsome face changed immediately. <br /> <br /> "I want to move into my own place. After all, we will be strangers soon."<br /> <br /> Raegan forced a smile, but her heart was aching as if someone was tearing it apart bit by bit. <br /> <br /> "We will be strangers?"<br /> <br /> Mitchel smiled coldly. "Raegan, what do you think our relationship is now?"<br /> <br /> His questioning left Raegan stunned for a moment. <br /> <br /> Mitchel had made it very clear to her from the very beginning. This facade of their marriage had happened by mutual agreement. There was no love. In the eyes of others, they were nothing more than just a superior and a subordinate. <br /> <br /> Mitchel was quite the catch in Ardlens. Many young ladies longed for his love and were even willing to throw themselves at him. <br /> <br /> His question just now reminded her of that fact. Was he afraid that she wouldn't let him go that easily? If that was the case, he couldn't be more wrong... <br /> <br /> After biting her lower lip to conceal her bitterness, Raegan said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Dixon. I was giving it too much thought. Anyway, please leave me alone from now on. You don't have to come here again."<br /> <br /> After saying that, Raegan couldn't help but burst into tears. <br /> <br /> How could she not be sad when she was cutting ties with the man she had loved for a decade? It was such a long time. <br /> <br /> Regardless of how difficult it was, she knew it was time to let go. <br /> <br /> It was high time she stopped being a fool. <br /> <br /> Strangely, the light in the corridor began flickering. <br /> <br /> The deathly stare Mitchel was giving Raegan right now made the atmosphere seem like the moment before an attack in a horror movie. <br /> <br /> Although he understood that Raegan sometimes could throw a tantrum, he felt that she had just crossed the line now. <br /> <br /> His eyes shone like blazing torches at this moment. But when he saw the tears in her eyes, the rage inside him extinguished in an instant. He said in a low voice, "If this is about what happened between you and Tessa, I..."<br /> <br /> "No, this isn't about her. Mr. Dixon, please leave now."<br /> <br /> A lot of things happened between them. And the incident with Tessa didn't come close to any. <br /> <br /> Raegan felt exhausted. She passed by Mitchel and was about to open the door. <br /> <br /> Yet, Mitchel was displeased with her stubbornness. <br /> <br /> He loosened his tie irritably. He then took a step forward and grabbed her wrist. <br /> <br /> "Stop this, will you?"<br /> <br /> A second later, he put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her into his arms. <br /> <br /> He instantly realized that she was burning up like someone who had been set on fire. <br /> <br /> "You have a fever?"<br /> <br /> Raegan felt dizzy. She rested her head on his chest weakly. <br /> <br /> This made the whole situation complicated. <br /> <br /> Reagan was slow to catch that. When she finally realized that her body was too close to his, she put her hands against his chest and tried to pull back. <br /> <br /> Before she could escape, Mitchel pulled her back and held her by the waist. With a cold face, he said in a low voice, "Where do you think you are going?"<br /> <br /> The light flickered again. Out of the blue, Mitchel lifted her up. <br /> <br /> He then headed for the elevator. <br /> <br /> In a daze, Raegan asked softly, "What are you doing?"<br /> <br /> "What does it look like I am doing?" Mitchel remarked. "Taking you to the hospital, of course."<br /> <br /> "No way!" Raegan cried out in surprise and seemed to regain more strength. <br /> <br /> Mitchel might find out about her condition if they went to the hospital.<br /> <br /> Raegan struggled to get out of Mitchel's arms. However, his tight grip made her efforts fruitless. <br /> <br /> "Don't be so stubborn. You are sick, so you must see the doctor," Mitchel said firmly. <br /> <br /> He walked to the elevator with her in his arms. At this moment, Raegan's heart was thumping so hard that it could jump out of her chest. She flailed in protest. <br /> <br /> "Put me down! I don't want to go to the hospital!"<br /> <br /> &13&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-e	108744435202789	Novellove read	https://facebook.com/100083283215376	4,076	1	319,312,134,525,680	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Learn more	Novellove read	120208491475970660	fbweb.moboreader.net	NONE	image		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=216543&accid=1910509592737470	2024-05-06 05:07	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441899356_1151487502937752_4223729699625518579_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nYMBaQeNvlMQ7kNvgHgv2a6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDpJZ57IAIdBoPPz68PJ3iO7Q-vvbrMmeUx5FGq3oAfmA&oe=6641D991	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439935289_318133894642445_2501712579740886515_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=EgdF-GazazQQ7kNvgH7By_S&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAy4EImnZcbrRL6w27ZvRE2rZzbB-WlEz4okzZKAB_4FQ&oe=6641F87A	3	Novellove read	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,590	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778591}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:40	active	760	973370567678163	When neuropathy hits, try this...	At 53 y.o I Managed To Relieve My Achy Feet Without expensive Medical Bills	LEARN_MORE	https://getsoothrelieve.com/articles/s-footaches-a	113992290011420	Naturry	https://facebook.com/naturry1	33,029	2	1,400,364,357,280,563	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Naturry	120207118430810534	getsoothrelieve.com	NONE	image	SoothRelieve \| Foot Compression Socks. Get The Relief You Deserve.	https://getsoothrelieve.com/articles/s-footaches-aj23/	2024-04-29 03:49	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440788637_326252403893684_3154945894578544392_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7NZKr5GmI-gQ7kNvgGbkTLf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCidE8P6XPDLWXCucN7XrNxxX9CmZezPGsITj-eg8_bVA&oe=6641C90E	person_profile	Naturry	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440775195_779050534290007_2078707629393126610_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=iXH3AlCXerkQ7kNvgHmwSTQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCwRXVV4Uk_OGSvQ4TFmSzTbzpQKCsycEXsf92r0jy68A&oe=6641EFC9	3	Naturry	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,779,034	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1779027}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	1368611713910661	No More Hip Pain!	"This pillow saved my Hips and Lower Back 🥰"<br /> <br /> Side sleeping without proper support can cause misalignment of the spine, leading to sharp pain in the hips, lower back, and legs.<br /> <br /> If left untreated, it can lead to more serious issues like sciatic nerve damage, chronic pain, and, in the worst scenario - high-risk surgery.<br /> <br /> It’s important to do something before it becomes irreversible…😞<br /> <br /> That’s why a top physical therapist developed the Revoget Pillow.<br /> <br /> ✅ The Revoget Alignment Pillow is designed to:<br /> ➡️ Relieve hip, lower back & sciatica pain<br /> ➡️ Prevent painful bone-on-bone rubbing<br /> ➡️ Align the spine ALL night<br /> <br /> Why not just use a ‘regular’ pillow? Two reasons:<br /> <br /> A regular pillow provides some relief, but it usually won’t stay in place during your night.<br /> More importantly; regular pillows are designed to support your head/neck, and not your hips, legs, or knees.<br /> The Revoget Pillow includes a soft elastic strap and is designed to fit between the legs.<br /> <br /> Within just a few days of use, you’ll get back to uninterrupted nights and enjoying life free of pain.<br /> <br /> 🎁 With Revoget, you're covered by our 60-Night Money-Back Guarantee. If you're not fully satisfied, you'll get your money back.<br /> <br /> Get yours now totally risk-free → <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Frevoget.com%2Fproducts%2Fimproved-leg-pillow&h=AT2C1X3SWMIg2CE6xs7u3LUKnVeVI7-dfMag5YEZk_a6KaTvhlDu9Y-lakOjITE56FxCqhSjxuuwW6WT2f8WsfrjAS43DMqjD-rnjJJEqemC9OcLCv35CII5vUgiPOnVSAwTjxY6zMYSKg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://revoget.com/products/improved-leg-pillow</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://revoget.com/products/improved-leg-pillow	259519097238249	Revoget	https://facebook.com/revoget	330	9	788,867,843,306,343	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop now	Revoget	120214824908590386	REVOGET.COM	NONE	video	FREE Shipping on Every Order – No Minimum Purchase Required!	https://revoget.com/products/improved-leg-pillow	2024-05-07 19:08	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441305926_1030537378493515_624498245675941983_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=aIY8_xnAoj0Q7kNvgHslAWq&_nc_oc=AdjF4M_9c6lQs4XWFs-cbkbx8ijXKSWjIvCpKx-odmPw5JDFCbzXqN5tE3t3GAJALf4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCOMMRaKF_-YJtdD4h1jgDAMpqzelwyGsusreTQad8Y7A&oe=6641F032	person_profile	Revoget	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441320598_1630106707819149_6614839553792759344_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=d38Dd14Sw2cQ7kNvgF7n6Fl&_nc_oc=AdgI6Poejj6FJ_PgyavSGJz2xfmf61X9h9_KysNO6sgOAsK4Rn5ILyj73Ga1IPK-1yk&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBw78OWH3YgvmSSFFTvFPCVCG9aMAWoHNV1yO0jE1eRgw&oe=6641E2C9	3	Revoget	2024-05-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,270	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778269}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:36	active	760	1125394562045967	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	Holly and my son are my salvation, and I want nothing more than to be all in with them.<br /> No matter what.<br /> ****<br /> HOLLY<br /> "What did I get myself into?" I mumble to myself as I walk into the massive convention center and find myself surrounded by thousands of people dressed as their favorite comic characters. I dig through my purse to pull out my phone to call my friend when Superman bumps into me, pushing me forward. My phone bounces across the carpet floor.<br /> “Great.” I bend down to retrieve it when a man dressed in a black and red alien suit with horns sticking out everywhere rams into me, knocking me flat on my hip.<br /> “Watch it, lady,” he says gruffly before walking away The nerve. Does anyone here have manners?<br /> This isn't how my day was supposed to go.<br /> I should be at work—as planned—going over cabinet colors and tiles for a client's half a million-dollar new kitchen remodel. Instead, I'm now getting ogled by a cyclops.<br /> My roommate, Amanda, called me in a panic, telling me she got into a fight with her boyfriend and he left her stranded. So, she asked me to come to pick her up. Supposedly, I was her only option.<br /> What she forgot to mention was she was at a sold-out Comic Con convention. I had to park five blocks away, pay the expensive day rate for parking, and now I have to hunt her down through this insane crowd gathered in the convention hall lobby.<br /> I’m not allowed past the massive doors leading into the convention without a ticket, and I don’t see any sign of my bubbly roommate anywhere. Though it’s hard to make out who is who through the crowd of costumed people. Besides me. Who sticks out like a sore thumb looking more like Lois Lane than Black Widow.<br /> I move to find a safe corner, away from all the chaos, and pull out my phone to call Amanda. “Holly. Hey,” she answers with a chirp on the third ring.<br /> "Where are you?"<br /> "I'm inside the Hilton.”<br /> "Okay? That's where I am." And so are a thousand other people. “ But where are you ?”<br /> "I'm the one dressed as Wonder Woman."<br /> I roll my eyes. "There's literally like a hundred people dressed as Wonder Woman here. What are you doing at a Comic Con anyway?"<br /> "It's a long story. Listen, there's a bar on the lower floor; meet me there.<br /> I’ll be there once I get Will Wheaton’s autograph."<br /> "Alright. You can't miss me. I look like the average Joe among the superheroes. You know, the one who actually needs saving."<br /> "Shut up. You’re fine." Amanda giggles.<br /> "You think if I'm lucky, I can find myself a hot Loki?" I joke.<br /> "If you do, find me his brother. I'll be down in a few once I get through this crowd."<br /> The hotel bar is not as crazy as the upstairs, but I still need to weave myself through the crew of the Enterprise and two Princess Leias to find a seat.<br /> I nestle myself on the stool of the long bar, grab the attention of one of the bartenders, and order a glass of their best mid-priced Merlot.<br /> While I wait, I go through some work emails. I have tons of angry messages from my boss for leaving in the middle of a meeting and a few from the client. Hopefully, if I answer my client’s questions, making them happy, it will lessen the blow with my boss on Monday.<br /> Doubt it though.<br /> "Can I get a whiskey? Neat." A gruff voice comes from beside me, grabbing me away from my email.<br /> A man with a red cape, golden locks, and biceps that should be illegal stands before me.<br /> Well, I might not have found a hot Loki, but I did find his fine brother, Thor.<br /> The bartender pushes a napkin to him as he slides onto the stool.<br /> He hunches over, staring down at the bar looking like he has the weight of the world bearing down on his shoulders. His beard is slightly unkempt, while you can tell the rest of him isn't.<br /> The bartender places his drink down, and he quickly picks it up and downs it. He slams the glass back on the counter and asks for another.<br /> He glances over at me, and my cheeks heat from being caught staring at the Norse god. I’m grateful when my phone beeps with a new text from Amanda, though I can still feel Thor’s eyes boring into me.<br /> Amanda: Brian found me and told me he's sorry. He’s going to take me home. Thank you for coming though. I owe you.<br /> "Seriously," I scoff. I should’ve known. This is so typical of her. She always makes me come out somewhere and then leaves me.<br /> I’m at the bar. You want to come by and say hi?<br /> Amanda: We already left. :(<br /> Are you okay?<br /> I double-check just to make sure she is alright. Maybe Brian pulled her by her hair out the door, but I doubt it.<br /> Amanda: I’m great, I swear. It was just a misunderstanding. You know how I get.<br /> As long as you're okay.<br /> Amanda: Yep. You’re the best roomie ever.<br /> Wow. No thank you?<br /> I stab the power button to turn off the offending screen, pick up my glass of drink, and down it, just like the man beside me did moments ago.<br /> I’m pissed. Beyond pissed. She cost me not only thirty dollars for parking but a day's pay. I should have known it wasn’t that urgent. She and her boyfriend are always butting heads, and then an hour later, they’re making up.<br /> I should’ve waited before coming down here.<br /> The bar fills with more cosplayers, and the energy and excitement of the place builds. Music pipes through the speakers and I hear someone mention karaoke. That could be interesting. So screw it, since I already paid for the day I might as well make my time of it.<br /> I wave down the bartender. “Excuse me, can I get a shot of drink.<br /> Lime and salt. Thanks.”<br /> "Everything okay?" God of Thunder eyes me curiously. “This is a big jump.”<br /> "Umm…" I shake my head. "No. My friend bailed after I came all this way to get her thinking she was deserted."<br /> "Some friend," he snorts. “I know what that’s like.”<br /> "Yeah. I left hours of work and an angry boss to come here." I sigh and lose myself momentarily in the haze of his chocolate eyes. "I'm sure you don't want to hear about my woes." I give a gentle smile.<br /> You look like you have a million problems by just looking into your eyes.<br /> “Let’s just say, you’re not alone in your woes.” He smirks. “I mean, I’m just dressed up as a superhero, drinking alone at a bar. Not a single friend around myself.” He shrugs and wraps his fingers around his newly refilled glass.<br /> “Touché. I'm Holly, by the way." I brush my shoulder against his in a poor attempt to flirt.<br /> He tilts his head back over to me, his golden wig slipping slightly revealing his brown locks. "That's a very Jolly name." He gives me a crooked smile as his eyes roam over me.<br /> I roll my eyes. "You should really stick to trying to save Asgard rather than making jokes."<br /> "I have always been told I'm bad at making jokes, but what’s the harm in trying."<br /> “Sorry for the delay,” the bartender says, sliding my shot of drink over to me. He lays the lime on the napkin beside it.<br /> “Thanks,” I tell the bartender and then edge in closer to the handsome stranger beside me. “Well, are you going to tell me your name? Or are you going to make me guess? I’m pretty sure it’s not Thor.”<br /> "The name’s..." He looks down at his glass of whiskey then back at me.<br /> "Liam."<br /> "How come you sound so unsure of that?"<br /> "Because…spirits." He gives me a crooked smile, and I giggle. "Hey, I'm improving."<br /> "You are."<br /> "Cheers to that then." He lifts his glass of whiskey, and I raise my shot of drink.<br /> "Cheers." We clink glasses and then toss them back. “Whoo.” I shake my head as the drink burns down my throat.<br /> Liam picks up the lime and places it to my lips. “Suck,” his husky voice croons. My lips wrap around the lime, and I suck the tart juices, my eyes never leaving his as I do so. “I have a feeling it’s going to be a good night, Holly.” He winks, and his thumb brushes across my bottom lip. I pucker against it, and he smirks. “Oh, yes, a very good night.”<br /> The liquor starts to flow between us, and my somber man loses the wig sometime between the fourth and fifth drink. It turns out Liam is actually funny as the night goes on. He has been keeping me in stitches, and the weight he was carrying when he came in appears to be lifting slightly.<br /> I also haven’t felt this relaxed in months.<br /> Never in a million years would I let myself get this drunk in a bar and on top of it all with a stranger.<br /> I have been so worried about following rules, making plans, sticking to my routine, I never let myself be so reckless.<br /> Tonight, I want to break all the rules I made for myself, live a little.<br /> Take a chance, especially with Liam, who has been spending the whole night making me feel like most beautiful woman in the world.<br /> Every brush of his fingers makes my skin ignite, and I’m desperate for more.<br /> “So, what exactly are you doing here alone? I’m sure it didn't start that way for you,” I ask as I roam my finger over his bulging biceps.<br /> “I got left behind too. I thought I was coming here to have fun. I needed it. It’s been a rough…rough couple of months.”<br /> “Do you want to talk about it?” I offer an ear. I can tell he needs it.<br /> Every time he looks down into that brown liquor, I swear he just wants to drown in it.<br /> “I wouldn’t want to bore you with my problems. Plus, we are having fun.”<br /> “You won’t bore me.”<br /> “You’re too sweet to get weighed down with my problems.” He brushes my hair off my shoulder and rests his other hand on my hip.<br /> “I don't mind. I'm a great listener.”<br /> “I can think of something much more entertaining to do than having some heart to heart.”<br /> “Yeah?” My lips wet as he moves in closer to me.<br /> <br /> The sun rises on the next morning, and I wake up undressed and alone.<br /> Beside me is a note laying on the wrinkled white pillowcase.<br /> I pull the sheet tight to my bare skin and unfold the note. With messy scribble, it reads:<br /> Sorry I had to run and get to work. Room is paid for till 12.<br /> Thanks for a great night. Last night was fun.<br /> -Thor<br /> I crumble up his note and throw it onto the floor.<br /> What did I expect though? I knew what I was getting myself into the second Liam asked me to come up here. I knew he was trouble. My body aches all over, and as I fall back down to the bed, the memories of last night fill my mind. It was all worth it. I shower, dress, and make my exit into <br /> **<br /> Three years later<br /> Music drifts from the garden as I make my way to the deck that overlooks the crowd of mingling socialites, hoping for a moment of peace. I grab my bowtie and yank it loose from my neck. These black-tie events always make me feel as if I'm choking. Money hungry people at every corner nipping at my heels to get a piece of my action. I try to avoid these galas, but I've been forced here against my will by my parents. Though, I know I'm not completely wanted here and only been brought for show. My parents throw these lavish affairs every six months at their estate to make sure their names are always the talk of the elite crowd. It's how it's been since I can remember.<br /> “Champagne, sir?” a pimple faced kid, not old enough to drink himself, offers.<br /> “No,” I grunt, glaring at the kid, who stumbles back, making the drinks wobble. I have an urge to finish knocking them over. “Didn’t they tell you not to bother me?”<br /> “I’m—no—I’m sorry, sir.” The kid tucks his head down and surges away.<br /> I pinch my brow and know it wasn’t the kid’s fault. I doubt my father or mother told the staff not to bother me when it came to spirits beverages.<br /> It’s the one thing I hate about coming to these events; the open bar is only twenty feet away from me. My parents know I'm a recovering addict, and though I've been sober for years, and my main addiction was oxy, spirits was just as much of a crutch to ease my pain. Every day is still a constant battle. Days like today with the stress of a bad couple of weeks rest on my shoulders, and it would be easier to escape in a bottle of whiskey than to deal with the reality.<br /> It’s why I don’t allow myself in these sorts of situations anymore. The temptation where spirits flows freely can be too much.<br /> I swear my old man does this thing to test me, to see if I fail and go back to my ways.<br /> He's always waiting for me to fail.<br /> I've come so far in a short time. I know the dangers I will face if I taste the sweet bourbon.<br /> For now, I tease my mind and rattle the ice in my water glass before I toss it back, letting it chill my bones and pretend it could be something stronger for a second.<br /> I was like a small child, basically trapped in a grown man's body, begging for my dad's approval. Wanting to prove myself to him.<br /> No matter the mountains I pushed or how I succeeded.<br /> It wasn't good enough.<br /> Even after over two years of being sober, when that man storms in, the first thing I think about is drowning, that way I no longer have to hear him.<br /> No longer have to feel.<br /> As I round the corner, my knee is killing me with the sensation of tiny needles being stabbed into it. I stop, needing to catch my breath. A blinking light from above catches my attention. “No , not tonight.” I groan to myself.<br /> Out of all the places, I let my subconscious take me here. The Tilted Keg.<br /> My old stomping grounds. A place I haven’t let myself be outside of in over two years because the temptation is too much. It was the hardest of all my routines to break. Drinking is social. Friends wanting to grab a drink after work and hang out. I had to push back from all of those who didn’t understand the battle I was suffering through. The ones who couldn’t hang with me without drinking.<br /> The smell of wood and stale drink float through the air as the door of the bar opens. For a second, I find myself wanting to go sit in the old place.<br /> Prop myself at the counter with a glass in my hands, hoping what’s inside can take away the demons possessing me by letting me drown them away.<br /> Walk away.<br /> Though when a car door slams, temptation stirs me in a different way.<br /> A beautiful woman draped in red steps out of an Uber and into the night. She wraps her arms around her tight body to fight off the chill of the late evening.<br /> I make out her curves from here, and her flowing strawberry locks dance in the breeze.<br /> I stand watching her. There’s something about her that just catches my eye. Something different from all the rest that calls me to her and draws me in like a moth to a hungry flame, and it has nothing to do with those long tanned legs I’ve already pictured wrapped around me.<br /> I touch her shoulder startling her, her green eyes widen, and her pale cheeks redden.<br /> God , she’s beautiful.<br /> "You look a little lost, Red.”<br /> "No...um...I…No," she stutters nervously.<br /> "Are you okay?" I place my hand on her arm, but she quickly steps back, acting like I shocked her.<br /> "Um, yes, I'm fine," she stammers again, and I chuckle.<br /> Oh Red. What is it about you that captivates me tonight?<br /> Maybe it's the shyness or the wariness in her eyes that has me wanting to sink myself into her so we can get lost together. Or is it because her voice is like a siren's call that captivates me, though it shakes with a nervousness I'm not used to encountering.<br /> "You don’t look fine.”<br /> “I'm just a little chilled." She does have little goosebumps on her arms, but I don’t think it’s just from the cool evening air.<br /> “I know I'm a stranger." I brush back a fallen strand of her hair behind her ear and she shivers in response. "But I promise I don't bite.”<br /> Her whole face flushes brighter than before and there's a glimmer in her eyes that I swear is telling me she likes the idea.<br /> "Why are you blushing, Red? Do you want me to bite?"<br /> She slaps her hands to her cheeks, and I smirk. She's cute.<br /> "You shouldn't be talking that way to me."<br /> "Why not?"<br /> "I don't even know your name."<br /> "Let me fix that then. It's Liam."<br /> "Liam." She repeats in a daze, but I'm confused by why she seems shocked to hear my name.<br /> "Yep. And what about you, Red. You have a name?"	LEARN_MORE	https://a.read4funs.com/ad/ZmFuY3lOb3ZlbC8xNzE2MDM	149657464895196	ForFun-104	https://facebook.com/61552426861640	67	1	3,860,971,314,135,633	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	ForFun-104	120210032915410350	a.read4funs.com	NONE	video		https://a.read4funs.com/ad/ZmFuY3lOb3ZlbC8xNzE2MDMvMjAyNDA1MDgwOTE0MTQvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 20:19	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438128918_1120769432494525_4537623764745362139_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=wU5RM2Uk8fYQ7kNvgHoA6Q9&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBPy-PcuMBKvCvE6UgXPX800B7DbZeFQSZ1sh9SzwyUZA&oe=6641DB91	person_profile	ForFun-104	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441950682_375076322173020_6667153216874223669_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=b3hUC3dimE0Q7kNvgHsZ1fN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCMBWRzvSfY0hPO26p9S9PZfatx537AiS2wRUmEYTMj5Q&oe=6641CC98	3	ForFun-104	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,779,000	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1779001}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	1503391170582873	Simple Ritual Banished My Nerve Pain	My Nerve Pain started with pins & needles, then the burning & tingling kept me up at night… but it was when I lost all feeling in my feet that it tore through my life…<br /> <br /> I turned to the only help I knew, the doc… just to be told “Learn to live with it”.<br /> <br /> No more driving, no more long walks with our dog, no longer being trusted to care for the grandkids.<br /> <br /> I felt like a prisoner in my own body!<br /> <br /> I turned to creams & cold compresses but the burning sensation just kept coming back worse.<br /> <br /> I was exhausted by the doctors telling me there was little hope, but they always had another expensive med for me to try.<br /> <br /> And when I started refusing… they scared me with amputation.<br /> <br /> Then at home the talks about me going into care were getting more serious!<br /> <br /> Just as I lost all hope, I thank god for an old friend reaching out.<br /> <br /> They sent me the video below and the simple ritual that changed my life as I know it.<br /> <br /> It pointed to the surprising root cause of my burning sensation, a little known link that even my doctor wasn’t aware of.<br /> <br /> “Doctors treat symptoms, not the root cause” makes total sense to me now.<br /> <br /> The video showed me the simple fix that takes me less than a minute a day in the comfort of my own home… that has drastically turned my numbness, burning and tingling around.<br /> <br /> The best part… I feel normal again!<br /> <br /> My daily limitations disappeared, I could feel the carpet under my feet and I didn’t have to depend on others anymore!<br /> <br /> No more talks of care homes, now we talk about how I can care for the grandkids again!<br /> <br /> Please take nerve pain seriously while you still have the chance.<br /> <br /> Tap “Learn more” now	LEARN_MORE	https://story.themaryhilton.net/398?utm_source=%7B	109560497903284	Mary Hilton	https://facebook.com/themaryhilton	18,606	10	472,055,675,261,849	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Mary Hilton	120207847196600410	story.themaryhilton.net	NONE	image		https://story.themaryhilton.net/398?utm_source=%7B%7Bcampaign.name%7D%7D&utm_medium=%7B%7Badset.name%7D%7D&utm_campaign=%7B%7Bad.name%7D%7D	2024-05-07 23:39	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442409800_1145355019924789_4539553613648378875_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eOx6ihMJgXwQ7kNvgH51lme&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDcUvgyrYeHiBe5HkCHbqRXVkTNzIStXFz95agOOVajLA&oe=6641F25C	person_profile	Mary Hilton	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441464331_459220883451394_3761857096080250994_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=pBzqzQ3a-UgQ7kNvgGAJ-Vo&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBgBbawio9kIuiX40BiB9BDgKFRZH4OxVJKnGsfPsXE2Q&oe=6641E4D9	3	Mary Hilton	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,779,043	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1779044}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:45	active	760	466326989298315	Save 40% On The Award Winning Pain Relief Device	De-stress your back & relieve sciatica pain with the award winning device Featured on Fox, CBS & USA Today The Ready Rocker Is Shown To... ✔️ Alleviate Back Pain ✔️ Increase Blood Circulation ✔️ Decompress the Spine ✔️ Engage Core Muscles ✔️ Decrease Stress & Cortisol Try It Today & Save Up To 40%	SHOP_NOW	https://readyrocker.com/pages/sciatica	246714475892171	Ready Rocker	https://facebook.com/thereadyrocker	3,750	2	1,002,698,041,364,104	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Shop Now	Ready Rocker	120207392206620358	readyrocker.com	NONE	dco	{{product.description}}	https://readyrocker.com/pages/sciatica	2024-05-07 22:54	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441338786_811544807512571_3729008508010600889_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QvFfOAut0SwQ7kNvgHykOKL&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBY5NreghZr8ecOz5xZ6mQ0zg0AWyavlbuol4VCNg1mwA&oe=6641E920	person_profile	Ready Rocker	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440318031_808672157419019_2964922584500803187_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7-HhUiIuXngQ7kNvgFKUBnS&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCFVn9OtsRNeL2W2KMlyL82msVI-TNoZI60OBVtpGzJPQ&oe=6641DE5C	3	Ready Rocker	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,779,053	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1779052}'	No	2024-05-08 18:45	active	760	1123302558868525	Erase Stress, Clearer Mind	Vagus nerve stimulation is an easy way to build resilience to stress and feel great right now. <br /> <br /> It does this by helping your body shift from a sympathetic state (fight, flight, freeze) back to a parasympathetic state (rest, digest, restore).<br /> <br /> In other words, it helps you bounce back after a stressful event.<br /> <br /> Think of your vagus nerve as your body’s neurochemical “superhighway”—carrying signals between the brain and your vital organs. <br /> <br /> When you make a sound with your voice, your vocal cords vibrate. This deep inner-body vibration stimulates your vagus nerve.<br /> <br /> Researchers are now studying how vibrational vagus nerve stimulation can positively affect many aspects of health including:<br /> <br /> 😬 Anxiety relief - (2016) <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2FInt.J.Phy.Edu%2F&h=AT0vWjz_rTNU2P0fkM9szjhh_BQ8bEP6smp0QkAj0ZaxwiPl1s7F-0YlKjKLBQ814HThu4Nf840gW1GG5pCk_e7qacjB87wxx5A4KSgdVVJAgxFwPeXaRJ1zVRQ9XXHVlkunoetg5q6_kQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">Int.J.Phy.Edu.</a><br /> 😩Pain reduction - (2018) Natl.J.Maxillofac.Surg.<br /> 😀Mood improvement (2018) Frontiers in Psychiatry<br /> <br /> As you stimulate the vagus nerve, it activates your parasympathetic nervous system and helps you generate natural “feel good chemicals” including:<br /> <br /> ☀️Endorphins<br /> ☀️Dopamine<br /> ☀️Oxytocin<br /> ☀️Nitric oxide<br /> <br /> ✅ Plus the anti-inflammatory assisting neurotransmitter acetylcholine<br /> <br /> If you’re curious, you can experience one of my best sound based vagus nerve strengthening tutorials.<br /> <br /> It’s a 12 minute lesson designed to help prepare your body for restoration.<br /> <br /> When you first try it, you may notice tingling sensations, mild euphoria, and a deep sense of peace…<br /> <br /> 👉Especially if you finish the video.<br /> <br /> 💥Get Started Today!	SIGN_UP	https://www.donovanhealth.com/vagus-nerve-stimulat	314226149421	Jim Donovan Sound Health	https://facebook.com/JimDonovanSoundHealth	33,637	1	1,371,464,463,475,128	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	Sign up	Jim Donovan Sound Health	120209738638700186	DonovanHealth.com	NONE	video	Unlock Free Video	https://www.donovanhealth.com/vagus-nerve-stimulation-with-sound-unlimited	2024-05-07 22:46	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438128139_1578117499691156_6814991242790129566_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GVMI3NmtW4oQ7kNvgEec19h&_nc_oc=Adi0SrcdDC6IIowA1k-dCn9kT21N2j2XK395s4yGya7ZjYmzjJ013xOFgvXHA_SvOsY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCOGufRkjjvcH6AOpdx-W6_rbOLX2rMFJwvbuwmn_vJ8Q&oe=6641DFB9	person_profile	Jim Donovan	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441958748_1239941757415942_3244116326921184169_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t4aEynkYNfYQ7kNvgFnoa01&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAz6FWjKbqWD-JxEQ6l4SrBZQTMCjXAwhy3oAtL26FeNQ&oe=6641E3AB	3	Jim Donovan Sound Health	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,379	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778279}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	3693081457677820	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Dad I can explain...."<br /> "Explain what exactly Dimitri? How you slept with your fiancée’s best friend for 6 months and she caught you in the act?"<br /> I knew better than to speak so I just hung my head low as he ranted on.<br /> "I hope it was worth it because you lost the best woman you ever had and now you may just lose the company if this gets out and starts a scandal!"<br /> ————————<br /> Kayan<br /> I was betrayed by two people I trusted implicitly, my best friend and my fiancé, or so i thought.<br /> Without saying a word, I bent down and picked up my phone. By this time Dimitri had donned his boxers and his slim fit navy dress pants. Mariana on the other hand was gripping the white sheet, trying to cover her body and was sobbing uncontrollably.<br /> Normally her tears would have stirred some sort of emotion but I felt absolutely nothing looking at her.<br /> Dimitri stepped towards me with his outstretched hand but I stepped back, and when I spoke my own voice surprised me.<br /> Two words, " How long?". I stared at both of them expectantly. Dimitri sighed and rubbed his face, looking at me with regret.<br /> When no response was forthcoming from him, I turned to Mariana and pinned her with a glare. " Shut up Mariana! I asked a question and I need an answer now!" I shouted.<br /> She pulled her knees to her chest as her body shook in fear, she had only seen me angry once so she knew not to taunt me. Dimitri on the other hand, was stunned.<br /> She looked at me and stuttered in fear " S....si...six months", and hung her head low. I absorbed her reply, laughed hysterically, which caught both of them by surprise. They looked at each other shrugging their shoulders and just as I started laughing suddenly, I stopped abruptly.<br /> "Six months you say? I guess this is the part where you'll say it was a mistake, you never meant to hurt me and you're both sorry right?." I spoke calmly, surprising myself.<br /> Dimitri was first to speak " Kay, please I'm so sorry. We were both tipsy after your work anniversary party,and after I dropped her off, everything went to terrible. I'm so sorry baby but..." I laughed again, cutting him off mid sentence.<br /> I held my hand up then turned to Mariana" What about you bimbo, any last words?" Her eyes bulged in fear and I watched her squirm in fear. She knew I could put a bullet between her eyes even with my eyes closed , thanks to my Dad taking me to the pistol range every Saturday for 2 years.<br /> She sprung to her knees, the sheet fell exposing her and I saw all the hickeys along her neck and on her breasts. "Kay please, let's talk about this. I'm so sorry and I regret this. I'm so sorry for hurting you like this, it wasn't planned."<br /> The nerve of this woman, I thought. I should have listened to my gut all those months ago. She kept thwarting our plans, started traveling a lot and would barely take my video calls then. And she kept changing or bashing my wedding plans and like a fool, I brushed it aside.<br /> Dimitri was the same, one business trip after another, late nights and then he was distant. When I asked him about it, he promised to do better than what he did, but there was a subtle change. We no longer have sleep.<br /> Both of them looked at me expectantly, waiting for the weak, docile Kayan to shed tears and assure them everything would be okay.<br /> I dropped my phone into my bag, grabbed my pistol and clicked the safety off. I swiftly fired two rounds which were followed by agonizing screams. I shot Dimitri in his thigh just inches from his shaft while Mariana got hers in her right shoulder. Just enough to cause pain but not be fatal.<br /> I walked out the room but turned to them saying " That's for the betrayal, I never want to see or hear from either of you again. The next time you won't be so lucky."<br /> I descended the stairs shakily, I touched my face checking for tears but there were none. My chest was convulsing but I refused to give in to the pain I was feeling.<br /> As I got to the last step, I looked around, marched over to the fireplace and threw all photos she had of us together into it. I lifted the stoker, broke her 60" Samsung TV and everything went red from thereon. I trashed her apartment then walked out as if nothing happened.<br /> I grabbed my baseball bat from my trunk, smashed all her windows and doors. Just as I about to leave, I saw Dimitri's Silver Range Rover across the street.<br /> How didn't I notice it before?<br /> I walked up to it and repeated my actions. When I was satisfied, I hopped into my van and drove away.<br /> ---- <br /> Dimitri<br /> I couldn't believe Kayan shot us and simply walked away. I had known her for over 6 years but I never encountered this side of her. I knew I deserved that, worst of all, I ruined the one good thing I had done.<br /> I was thinking with my shaft and not my brain, because in assessing the current situation, Mariana was just a good woman. There is attraction, but the feelings I have for Kayan are deeper.<br /> Her sobs reverberated around the bedroom , bringing me back to the current situation.<br /> When Kayan left the room, I heard her trashing Mariana's apartment downstairs and was about to go after her.<br /> Mariana's words stopped me dead in my tracks, "Leave her be, Dimitri, she will kill you! She needs to calm down first before we approach her." I turned to her slowly, trying to ignore the pain and blood gushing from my wound.<br /> "What do you mean Mari? I'm going after her! There is no us. This was a mistake. I need to talk to her!" I ran my hands over my face then slid my belt around my leg making a tourniquet.<br /> She slid off the bed, gripping the sheet with her uninjured shoulder. " Take it from me, we're lucky to be alive! You have never seen her upset or know what she's capable of in this state but I do!" She tiptoed to the door listening for any further sound from downstairs, but was greeted with silence.<br /> Mariana sat on the stairs shaking and crying while gripping her disheveled hair.<br /> The front door was ajar, I moved to lock it but the sight of Mariana's car took my breath away. I looked across the street to mine and it looked even worst.<br /> I shook my head, sighed and turned too quickly, causing a searing pain in the bullet wound.<br /> I called my driver Michael and told him to be quick and discreet.<br /> Mariana got dressed in the meantime while we waited with bated breaths.<br /> Michael arrived in about 10 minutes, his eyes expressed shock but he knew better than to ask any questions.<br /> He drove us to Wyckoff Medical, the only place I knew would be discreet about what happened.<br /> Using the back entrance, we were quickly ushered into separate rooms for assessment.<br /> As I laid on the bed, I felt Dr. Green prodding my wound for the bullet. He's been our family physician since I was a child, so when he asked who I pissed off this time , I sighed and ignored him.<br /> All I could think about was Kayan, she was my everything!<br /> Not anymore you prick, you screwed up and you're lucky to be alive, I shook my head, trying to shake guilt ridden thoughts from my subconscious.<br /> I reminisced on all the times we spent together, the plans we made for our future and our kids. I reflected on how she supported me even when my own father doubted me. She never gave up on me. You shut up Dimitri!<br /> Dr. Green waved his hand above my eyes while calling my name. " Did you hear anything I said just now?" he asked quietly.<br /> I sighed " No, what is it?". My tone was clipped but right now I didn't care, I could apologize later.<br /> He rolled his eyes before continuing "I said there's a detective waiting outside to talk to you, you know it's my duty to report this." He grabbed a scissors and cut the thread, signaling that he had finished stitching my wound.<br /> "You'll live, but stay off your feet for a few days, and use a crutch if you have to move around." Dr. Green bandaged my leg and was about to leave when I stopped him.<br /> "Wait, I apologize for my behavior Doc. Where's the young lady who came in with me? I need to see her now." He looked at me sadly, shook his head and left the room without a word.<br /> My guess is he figured out why Kayan hadn't rushed into the hospital demanding answers. The realization hit me of how I not only disappointed Kayan but everyone close to me, especially my parents. <br /> I must have dosed off from the pain medication I had gotten as I was woken up by Mariana gently shaking my shoulder and calling my name.<br /> Blinking my eyes to adjust to the bright lights, I grabbed the remote and adjusted my bed. Mariana looked terrible, her hair was unkempt and her eyes were swollen. Her right arm was bandaged and now in a sling.<br /> She sat in the chair beside the bed and hung her head low. " I spoke to the police, I told them we were mugged at the apartment as we were trying to finalize wedding arrangements." It was barely a whisper, but I sighed in relief.<br /> "We messed up but I agree, I'll tell them the same thing. Kayan doesn't deserve this." My throat felt hoarse so I reached for a tumbler with water, poured a cup and took several sips.<br /> " I told you we needed to stop Dimitri but you insisted on coming over!" I pinned her with a glare which caused her to shut up immediately.<br /> The nerve of this woman! I laughed coldly before turning to her " Oh so now it's my fault Mar? Surely you weren't complaining when I rammed your wet dripping private part with my shaft right? You never said stop! Anything else I'm forgetting?" My chest was heaving by the time I finished ranting.<br /> I was about to continue but her sobs erupted. She looked at me lost, guilt etched across her face before she stood to leave.<br /> "Look Mar, I'm sorry okay. I just don't know what to do." I held her wrist, my thumb caressing the inside of her hand in a comforting way. "How did she get in though?"<br /> Mariana was trembling as tears streamed down her face. She took a deep breath before she spoke. "I forgot she had a key from over a year ago. She would always check the place when I traveled for a convention or went to see my family."<br /> My mouth opened to speak but no words were forthcoming and they never came as the door banged open, slamming into the wall denting it.<br /> Jumping with fright, we turned to see my very pissed off father and my distraught mother. Before I could utter a word, he spoke," You, get out now and don't let me see your face again!" Mariana jumped in fear and ran from the room sobbing before I could stop her.<br /> "Dad i can explain...." He slammed his hand onto the small table, knocking the tumbler over.<br /> My mom grabbed his arm, trying to calm him down but he flicked her hand away and grabbed my hospital gown roughly, "Explain what exactly Dimitri? How you slept with your fiancée’s best friend for 6 months and she caught you in the act?"<br /> I knew better than to speak so I just hung my head low as he ranted on.<br /> "I hope it was worth it because you lost the best woman you ever had and now you may just lose the company if this gets out and starts a scandal!"<br /> "I'm going to fix this Dad, just give me a chance please." I turned towards my mom seeking support but she turned her head away from me. " Mom, please I'm sorry, I'll fix this. I'm gonna make everything right."<br /> My Dad simply scoffed at my words, took my Mom's hands and walked out the door.<br /> The only sound that filled the room was that of the water droplets bouncing on the floor.<br /> ---- <br /> Mariana<br /> I have never been more regretful in my entire life. My head was throbbing non stop, my eyes were puffy from all the tears I'd shed in the past 24 hours. My mind replayed the events and all I could think of, was that I should be dead by Kayan's hands.<br /> My driver dropped me off to the apartment, and as I stepped inside I once again surveyed the damage. Nothing was left untouched, I had to start over but I guess that's the price to pay for stabbing your best friend in the back for six months.<br /> I wanted to stop so many times, I knew it was wrong but Dimitri was like a spirit I couldn't get enough of.<br /> We decided to take the secret to our graves and everything was going great until I saw him a week later at Danny's Cafe. We sat and talked for a while but after an hour when we attempted to leave, the sexual tension was just too much to ignore.<br /> From thereon, we used our lunch breaks and any free time we could muster to screw each other senseless. After each encounter, we'd say it was the last time , but that never happened as soon after I took trips when he did or he came to my apartment before going home.<br /> All this time, I gave Kayan a million excuses as to why we couldn't meet up, continued planning her wedding virtually and offered excuses when she whined about Dimitri being overly consumed by work.<br /> I even ended things with my own boyfriend as our relationship became strained and miserable because of my infidelity.<br /> Now this is the endgame, I lost my best friend who always stood by me and I'm pretty sure Dimitri and I have no future.<br /> Sitting on the stairs, I decided to take a leap of faith and call Kayan. If I could just get her to listen to me for a second, I would tell her how sorry I am and try to fix things.<br /> As I dialed her number, it went directly to voice-mail, and after trying a few more times unsuccessfully, I decided to go see her. I ordered an Uber, waiting outside for a few minutes before the car pulled up.<br /> I got in, gave the driver her address and stared blankly out the window. The only sounds were that of the music playing in the dashboard.<br /> Ten minutes later, I was standing on the curb outside Kayan's townhouse. Hesitantly, I opened the gate, trudged up the steps and rang the bell. I was there waiting for a few minutes, I called her but there was no response.<br /> I walked to the garden by the lamp post where she always hid a spare key. It was gone.<br /> Just as I was about to step from the yard, I was stopped in my tracks by a faint voice. My hopes increased but when I turned around expecting Kayan, no one was there.<br /> What was that then, I thought to myself.<br /> I reopened the Uber app, placed my request and waited by the curb.<br /> "She's not here you know." I was startled by the voice and was relieved to see her neighbor Michael.<br /> "What do you mean? Where is she?" I asked hurriedly.<br /> He eyed me suspiciously before replying,<br /> "Seeing you here looking like poop tells me you had a role in Kay's sudden departure 2 hours ago." His words were true yet hurtful, I castedmy eyes down in shame.<br /> "You don't know, Mike, just tell me where she went, I need to talk to her before it's too late" I begged him.<br /> The prick was nonchalant as he leant against her gate typing away on his phone. After getting a ping, indicating a message, he looked up at me smirking.<br /> "Well if you must know, my girl left for England indefinitely..." he paused, struggling to hold back a snicker, "...Oh and she says you should go yourself or Dimatro, whatever the pretty boy's name is." Michael was now clutching his side laughing hysterically while I sighed in defeat.<br /> She's gone! And now there's no way I will find her because I can't go to her family and I'm pretty sure she's already changed her number!<br /> I didn't warrant Michael a response since the Uber pulled up, I hopped in and left.<br /> My phone began vibrating in my pocket and I grabbed it quickly, just hoping it would be Kayan. I was disappointed as Dimitri's name flashed on the screen.<br /> "What do you want Dimitri? Haven't we done enough, didn't you hear what your father said?" I shouted angrily, catching sight of the driver's raised brows in the rear view mirror.<br /> "Calm down Mari, I wanted to apologize for my Dad. I'm getting discharged now so I'm heading home, I need to sort things out with Kay." Though I had wanted the same thing minutes ago, I couldn't help the pang of jealousy that gripped me.<br /> Before I could stop myself I snarled in response<br /> "Thanks for asking how I'm doing you prick! Oh and don't bother going there because she's gone!"<br /> "What are you talking about Mari! This is not the time to joke with me..." I'd had enough of his nonsense so I cut him mid sentence " Kay's gone Dimitri, I just left the house, she's not home and her neighbor says she left for England." The other end of the line was silent.<br /> I looked at the screen to see if the call had been disconnected but the line was still open.<br /> "Dimitri?" He sighed in response and I heard him grunt in pain, perhaps moving too quickly on his injured leg.<br /> "I'm here Mari. How will I fix things if I don't know where to find her? Of all the places, she had to chose England!? Couldn't she have just gone to her parents? What am I going to do now?"<br /> I wanted to speak but my throat felt as if it was clogged.<br /> I cut the call, switched to airplane mode and rested my head against the window as fresh salty tears rolled down my cheeks.<br /> I lost everything.<br /> My best friend. Dimitri . And a family who accepted me without judgement and showed me nothing but love all these years.	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1,778,296	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778199}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	1445180779416895	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Xavier, you’d better get this straight: it's me who's dumping you, not the other way round." It took all her willpower not to lash out at the cheating couple. <br /> "I hope you two have a long, 'happy' life together," she spat.<br /> Her boyfriend of three years, the one she had been with through thick and thin, was now engaged to her elder sister.<br /> "It doesn't matter who I am. What matters is that I’m here to help." Charles tapped his cufflink, his gaze steady and serene as he watched Noelle.<br /> He was her guardian angel in her darkest hour. "Marry me. I'll bring you unimaginable happiness!"<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> Autumn had painted Brookville in shades of gold and crimson when Noelle Shaw stepped off the plane. She grabbed her suitcase and walked out into the crisp air, a familiar sense of home wrapping around her.<br /> A whole year had passed since she left to pursue a corporate training program overseas, and now, she was back just in time.<br /> Her third anniversary with her boyfriend Xavier Harris was just days away, and she had been working nonstop to make it back early enough to surprise him.<br /> She hailed a cab and headed straight for Xavier's office. The moment she walked through the front doors, Alice, the receptionist, gave her a look of total shock. "Ms. Shaw? You’re back? Are you here for the CEO's engagement party?"<br /> Noelle's brow creased in confusion. "The CEO's engagement party? What are you talking about, Alice?"<br /> "It's Mr. Harris's engagement party with your sister!"<br /> "What?" Noelle's heart skipped a beat, and the happiness drained from her face. "Whose engagement party?"<br /> Alice seemed to realize she had dropped a bombshell and nervously swallowed. "The CEO... and your sister..."<br /> "Where is it happening?"<br /> "The... Golden Oasis Hotel."<br /> It felt like a punch to the gut. Noelle spun on her heel and rushed out. "Driver, take me to the Golden Oasis Hotel, please."<br /> She had not even made it inside the hotel when she saw a huge photo by the entrance. There Xavier was with his arm around Winter Shaw, who looked stunning in her elegant dress. They were gazing into each other's eyes, lost in a world of love.<br /> On her way over, Noelle was psyching herself up. Xavier was her boyfriend. He was hers! The idea of him getting engaged to her sister was just too bizarre. As she arrived, however, reality hit her like a ton of bricks.<br /> She walked in just in time to catch Xavier whispering sweet nothings into Winter's ear, making her cheeks turn a rosy pink.<br /> Noelle felt a surge of anger, her eyes blazing with fury.<br /> How ludicrous it was. Her boyfriend of three years, the one she had been with through thick and thin, was now cozying up to her elder sister while she had been miles away.<br /> Winter Shaw was mingling and toasting with the guests arm in arm with Xavier when she spotted Noelle. Her face drained of color, and her grip on Xavier's hand tightened without her even realizing it.<br /> Xavier's eyes met Noelle's. He paused for a split second, then flashed Winter a comforting smile before walking over to Noelle. "Hey Noelle, did you come to celebrate me and your sister's big day?"<br /> His voice, which was usually so warm and gentle, felt like a knife twisting in her heart. Noelle clenched her jaw. "Celebrate? Celebrate you stabbing me in the back? And Winter, really? Are you that desperate for a man? You knew he was mine, and you... you both..."<br /> Before she could finish, a slap snapped her head to the side, leaving her cheek throbbing.<br /> Holding her face, tears brimming in her eyes, she looked up in disbelief. "Mom!"<br /> "Don't you dare call me 'mom' right now! What kind of daughter or sister acts the way you're acting? It's your sister's engagement, and you can't even be happy for her? Instead, you show up here to make a scene. You're doing this on purpose, aren't you?" Jade Jones was fuming, her eyes shooting daggers at Noelle.<br /> Noelle's heart clenched. "Mom, what are you even saying? Xavier's my boyfriend."<br /> "Your boyfriend? Xavier is your sister's husband. Why do you have to challenge your sister for everything? I’m so disappointed in you."<br /> Noelle could not help but laugh. She stared at her mother, Jade, who had the nerve to twist the truth so blatantly. She turned to Xavier. "Xavier, come on. Tell us who you're really dating."<br /> His brow creased, his gaze on Noelle filled with uncertainty. The firm grip he felt, however, brought him back to the moment. "Noelle, I'm sorry, but there's only ever been one person for me, and that's your sister."<br /> Noelle's heart felt like it was being sliced open as she listened to Xavier's emotionless confession.<br /> What a joke! What bitter irony!<br /> "Xavier, you’d better get this straight: it's me who's dumping you, not the other way round." It took all her willpower not to lash out at the cheating couple. "I hope you two have a long, 'happy' life together," she spat.<br /> <br /> Noelle bolted from the hotel, her previously defiant face now streaked with tears.<br /> Out of nowhere, a black Cayenne screeched to a halt, its tires screaming against the pavement. Caught off guard, she tumbled to the ground.<br /> The driver gulped, his eyes darting to the man in the back seat, "Sir... Sir?"<br /> The man in the back, unfazed by the nearby accident, merely glanced at the passenger seat beside him. "Ronald, go see what happened."<br /> "Right away, sir." Ronald was out of the car in a flash, checking the front for any damage.<br /> About six feet ahead of the car, a woman sat on the ground with her eyes wide open, looking totally freaked out. Her cheeks were streaked with tears, and she had obviously been crying. "Miss? Are you okay? Do you need a ride to the hospital?"<br /> Noelle was scared out of her wits. She just gazed at Ronald, lost in shock, until she finally managed to pull herself together and stand up. Without a word, she tried to sidestep him, eager to get away.<br /> Ronald was puzzled by her reaction. "Are you sure you're alright? Do you need any..."<br /> "I... I'm fine, really, I'm okay." Noelle's eyes darted to the black Cayenne. She could not shake off the feeling that someone was watching her, and it sent shivers down her spine. She scowled, hating the feeling, and hobbled away as fast as she could.<br /> Ronald watched her go, confused. He wanted to stop her, but she was dodging him like he was bad news, leaving him speechless.<br /> Back in the car, Ronald noticed the man in the backseat craning his neck to watch the woman through the window. "Sir, we're at the hotel. Do you want to head straight in, or would you like to get out here?"<br /> The man, Charles Hoffman, did not say a word, and Ronald did not dare to make a move.<br /> Watching the petite figure disappear into the distance, Charles let out a slight smirk and tapped his finger against his knee in a steady beat. "Let's head back!"<br /> Ronald was taken aback. "But sir, isn't today..."<br /> Before he could finish, Charles cut him off with a piercing look. "The show's over. There's nothing left to see," Charles said, his words heavy with implication. "Ronald, you seem to be losing your touch."<br /> The Majestic Lounge was Brookville's hotspot, its lights blazing and music pumping every night. Noelle's friend, Rowena Smith, always said it was the prime spot for a wild time after dark.<br /> Noelle was not one for these scenes, but tonight, she was hunched over the bar, downing drinks as if there was no tomorrow. She peered at the sea of unfamiliar faces swirling around her through half-closed eyes.<br /> "Hey there. Did you come here alone?"<br /> A hand clamped onto Noelle's shoulder, the stranger's touch lingering a bit too long. Noelle jerked away, revulsion coursing through her. "Back off."<br /> The guy shot a knowing look at his buddy and smirked at Noelle. "Feisty, aren't you? Back off? Ladies like you just play hard to get, secretly hoping for some attention."<br /> He moved in as if to plant a buss on her, but Noelle shoved him back and stood up, her stance unsteady and her heart racing. She shook her head, trying to clear the fog. "I said back off! Is that so hard to understand?"<br /> She stumbled, nearly toppling over, but the man caught her, his arm snaking around her waist. "See, you’re saying no, but your body's telling a different story."<br /> <br /> Trapped in the man's grip, Noelle struggled to break free, her body refusing to cooperate. Her vision was blurry as she glared at him. "What are you trying to do?"<br /> "Just having a bit of fun..." He chuckled, his voice dripping with sleaze as he steadied her. "Let's go somewhere more entertaining, shall we?"<br /> Noelle might have been out of it, but she could still sense the danger in the man's tone. However, her whole body ached, and she knew she was no match for them. She scanned the area for anyone who could help her, but she was invisible to the passersby.<br /> She spotted a figure approaching through her haze. Acting instinctively, she shoved the two men aside and bolted, slamming right into the newcomer. "Save me!" she gasped.<br /> Her fingers dug into the fabric of the man's shirt, and she inhaled a sharp, clean scent. "Please, save me," she pleaded.<br /> Charles squinted, taking in the woman who had just collided with him. There was a flicker of something sharp in his gaze.<br /> Noelle did not let go, pressing herself against him. Her lips, tainted with the strong smell of booze, were inches from his face, and her cheeks were unnaturally rosy.<br /> "Sir..." Ronald, who was standing a few steps back, watched in disbelief. She had the nerve to approach Charles, yet he was not pushing her away?<br /> Charles shot a cold look at the two men harassing Noelle. "Time to leave, don't you think?"<br /> "You… Who do you think you are? Do you even know who I am? I had my eye on that girl," one of the men blurted out.<br /> Charles smirked and let out a soft laugh. "You laid a hand on her? Which hand was it? Show me!"<br /> The courage of the other man drained away when he met Charles's icy stare. "Uh... Mr. Hoffman, we didn't realize who you were. We... we haven't touched her, not at all," he stammered, realizing they were in deep trouble.<br /> "Ronald," Charles shot him a look before scooping Noelle into his arms like she was the heroine in some epic romance, “give these guys a lesson they won't forget. Make it clear that The Majestic Lounge isn't for scum like them."<br /> With Noelle in his arms, Charles spun on his heel and left. Ronald gave a curt nod. "Understood." A sly grin spread across his face as he faced the two troublemakers. "So, which one of you was it that touched the lady?"<br /> The two guys exchanged panicked glances, too scared to utter a word. Ronald let out a mocking scoff. "What, did both of you touch her? Mr. Hoffman wants to let you keep a little bit of your offending hand as a souvenir."<br /> They dropped to their knees with a thud, as pale as ghosts, begging, "Please, have mercy! You can't do this. My dad is a big shot at Evergreen Group..."<br /> Meanwhile, Charles, with Noelle in his arms, was like a walking iceberg.<br /> Noelle felt she was being drained of blood and eaten alive by a swarm of ants. She whimpered, overcome by a wave of dizziness, "It's so hot..."<br /> Charles glanced down at his shirt, which was now a mess thanks to Noelle, and his gaze frosted over. He held her tighter and picked up the pace to the elevator.<br /> Though she was barely conscious, she caught a glimpse of the man's strong profile. The chill from his body was oddly soothing, and she snuggled closer without thinking. Charles's eyes darkened just as the elevator doors slid open, and he stepped out into the unknown.<br /> <br /> At the top of The Majestic Lounge was a room that belonged to Charles alone. He swung the door open and carried Noelle in. She was feeling so awful that she hung onto Charles like she was trying to meld into him, her limbs all over the place with nary a hint of elegance.<br /> He managed to detach Noelle from himself with a bit of a struggle and gently placed her in the bathroom. Taking a deep breath, he dialed Ronald’s number. "I need ice, and make it quick."<br /> Once he ended the call, he saw Noelle trying to get out of the tub. He gently but firmly pushed her back down and turned on the cold tap. "Stay still!"<br /> His voice was firm and grew even more intense as he noticed how the water in the tub accentuated her figure. His gaze sharpened.<br /> Ronald was fast, arriving shortly with two buckets of ice. "Here's the ice, sir."<br /> "Hold on," Charles instructed Ronald. "Just set them down and leave, thanks." His tone was cool and detached.<br /> Ronald raised an eyebrow at Charles's unusual sternness. However, he kept his thoughts to himself and left as told.<br /> Once alone, Charles brought the ice buckets into the bathroom.<br /> Noelle was submerged in the icy water, her body shaking uncontrollably. Her mind was still foggy, and Charles's expression was grim.<br /> Noelle was burning up inside, feeling like she was on the brink of collapse. The icy water was a harsh contrast to that, enveloping her in a torturous chill. She squirmed in agony, but Charles's hands kept her steady, and his voice cut through the haze. "Hang in there. It'll pass soon."<br /> ...<br /> Noelle's eyes fluttered open, her body feeling sore and like it had forgotten how to function. She lay still, gazing up at the stark white ceiling. As the fog in her brain slowly lifted, the memories of last night started to play like a movie in her head.<br /> Her face drained of color as panic flickered across her features. She flung off the covers and was relieved to find herself in pajamas, untouched. Still, that aching... where did it come from?<br /> "You're awake?" A chilly voice cut through the silence, and Noelle's head whipped toward the door. There she saw a man clad in cool elegance and fancy threads who was obviously not your average Joe. His face was so drop-dead gorgeous that even a beauty queen would swoon at him.<br /> Noelle's brow creased in confusion. She did not know this man. As the reality of her situation hit her, she blurted out, "Who are you?" Her voice sounded so harsh and grating that it scared her. The words came out as a dry, quacking mess.<br /> Charles arched an eyebrow, not bothering with an answer. He strolled over, poured her a glass of water, and handed it to her with smooth and elegant hands.<br /> Noelle was taken aback for a second but then grabbed the glass, downing the water with an eagerness that bordered on uncouth. Once the glass was empty, she eyed Charles suspiciously. "Are you the one who rescued me?"<br /> He did not say yes or no, but Noelle let out a relieved breath. "Okay. Thanks for whatever you did last night." She glanced down at her clothes, a silent question hanging in the air, and her expression turned to one of confusion. However, her gratitude remained evident despite the puzzlement.<br /> Charles's gaze landed softly on Noelle's face, his mind replaying her stunning presence from the night before and stirring something within him. "It’s all good, Ms. Shaw. Don’t worry about it," he said, sidestepping the potential embarrassment with a smooth deflection.<br /> Noelle bit her lip, fighting the urge to say more. She would have to deal with the fallout and act like this whole mess never happened. Then, it hit her. "How did you find out my last name is Shaw?"<br /> "Surprised? There's been a lot of buzz about a Ms. Shaw today. Have you not heard?" Charles said, casually fiddling with his cufflinks, looking the picture of cool.<br /> Noelle's face drained of color. "What... What are you talking about?"<br /> "There are many versions of your story. Which one do you want to hear?"<br /> "Who are you, really? And what do you want from me?"	LEARN_MORE	https://b.penguinovels.com/ad/cGVuZ3VpbnMvMTcxMjg4	191107437419978	Guin111	https://facebook.com/61554980391363	13	1	957,363,085,857,102	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Guin111	120209095677100149	b.penguinovels.com	NONE	video		https://b.penguinovels.com/ad/cGVuZ3VpbnMvMTcxMjg4LzIwMjQwNTA3MTYxMDIxL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 03:23	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/442391664_946066253730083_2026320310605961663_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=khH-YkFaMn4Q7kNvgGl7DDV&_nc_oc=AdhW83FgMPi1_-nHYY9Ptl-M107S5tArPWubjNXXGaEBIfjqaDEZYagZoKYtMdIftqA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBDlmh6Hwlm-bET6X_g0ZOup-FvFWw9o2spnx7vdxDfcg&oe=6641D54E	person_profile	Guin111	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441868413_1095134684923180_3728109723778666119_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=uBuj1R-netwQ7kNvgEEkRdP&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBMJ77RG-i4R1a6BJaCAsBmj2EzkmcV4zjfYcE9iycPPQ&oe=6641C319	3	Guin111	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,622	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-08 18:40	active	760	1082162182849003	Pediatric Chiropractor Kennesaw, GA \| Elite Pediatric Family Chiropractic	Attention all moms! 📣 Are you running on empty and know it's time to find a way to recharge? Our "𝐸𝑥ℎ𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑀𝑜𝑚'𝑠 𝑆𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑖𝑣𝑎𝑙 𝐺𝑢𝑖𝑑𝑒" blog is here to throw you a lifeline! <br /> Being a mom is a 24/7 job, and it's easy to neglect your own well-being in the process. 😓 But to be the best version of yourself for your family, you need to prioritize self-care...and we don't mean grocery shopping without kids, 😝 we mean truly taking care of YOU. 💗 Our blog breaks it down into four simple yet powerful strategies:<br /> 1. Getting enough sleep 🌙<br /> 2. Eating nourishing foods 🍎<br /> 3. Reaching out for support 🙋‍♀️<br /> 4. Taking care of your nervous system 🧠<br /> Incorporating these practices into your daily life can help you navigate motherhood with greater ease and joy. If you're struggling to find balance in motherhood, Neurologically-Focused Chiropractic Care has got you covered! 🥰 Chiropractic care can be a game-changer when it comes to regulating your nervous system! 🔥 We can't always get enough sleep and sometimes lunch is stuffing whatever we can find on the counter into our mouths, 😂 but we can be ready to adapt to whatever motherhood throws our way with chiropractic!<br /> Click the link in our bio to learn more and to connect with our team at Elite Pediatric and Family Chiropractic. If you're struggling to find balance in motherhood, we're here to support you every step of the way! ❤️<br /> #pxdocs #mothersday #adrenalfatigue #adrenalcocktail #sleepygirlmocktail / #newmom #newbornmother / How to survive as a new mom / Lack of sleep / How to get more sleep as a mom / Holistic remedies for sleep #cobbcountyga #kennesawga #acworthga<br /> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fpxdocs.com%2Fan-exhausted-moms-survival-guide-navigating-motherhood-with-adaptability-and-resilience%2F&h=AT0symRzzmgUglH21iXaptvi8lVHlaYsUuAIvEVd9LHvB3WIj3PwuCb43XEB-Q6E5t-0QO8onlgnPsT6Wkdxqnb_X8o1YWcK0673h30GwcviUxQDdtIP0eZIG5zQRNAfOg6ZhIa6S6fP7g" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://pxdocs.com/an-exhausted-moms-survival-guide-navigating-motherhood-with-adaptability-and-resilience/</a>	LEARN_MORE	http://elitepediatricfamilychiropractic.com/	1120281761357570	Elite Pediatric and Family Chiropractic	https://facebook.com/elitepediatricfamilychiropractic	185	1	1,057,255,525,796,537	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	Learn more	Elite Pediatric and Family Chiropractic	120209541401850190	elitepediatricfamilychiropractic.com	NONE	image	The best pediatric chiropractor in Kennesaw using advanced INSiGHT Technology that identifies nerve interference. We providing drug-free, neurologically-based prenatal, pediatric & family chiropractic care to unlock health potential.	http://elitepediatricfamilychiropractic.com/	2024-05-08 06:40	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439849636_338298795593586_4584012776616500698_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=_8ClEcK0Xx0Q7kNvgHaSA0J&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCSy5C8YeSmw4V4CQRhNFXwVyWWauJk8yt7N-_FiVXbxg&oe=6641D838	person_profile	EPFC: North Georgia’s Trusted Neuro-Pediatric Chiropractor	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439914930_2692521047583113_4689103983821509787_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I_NxkyiZ2q0Q7kNvgF5oPtt&_nc_oc=AdgDFFXdffHaXFkxMJxfAHH_XOPpTqBYzFtYHCWWxKrrrlp7BgkFFzspcAcipgkgKa4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfApRiQqkfHeZyz0bmePi_GZKl1sThL4Tb_N3dwaLoqMbw&oe=6641ED83	3	Elite Pediatric and Family Chiropractic	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete

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