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1,778,564	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778569}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:40	active	760	1573068550148182	End the Tingling and Burning	🔥 Struggling with neuropathic foot pain, and stiff and sore joints? <br /> <br /> Whether your neuropathy is diabetic, chemo-induced, autoimmune, or idiopathic… tingling neuropathy can wreak havoc on your life.<br /> <br /> It’s important to do something now before it’s too late…<br /> <br /> 🌟 Embrace Freedom in 2024: FDA-Approved, Non-pharmaceutical Neuropathy Treatment in Sioux Falls 🌟<br /> <br /> Dynamic Spine and Neuropathy uses breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot. <br /> <br /> Experience the only non-pharmaceutical neuropathy treatment that’s both effective and FDA approved. It’s specifically designed to quickly alleviate the discomfort of burning and tingling sensations, transforming your life into one of comfort and mobility.<br /> <br /> 🌱 Our approach not only eases your pain but also targets the root cause of neuropathy. Say goodbye to temporary fixes and hello to lasting relief.<br /> <br /> What’s Included:<br /> <br /> ✅ Initial Evaluation & Neuropathy Severity Report<br /> ✅ Stimulates blood flow<br /> ✅ Naturally promotes nerve regeneration process (no harsh medication)<br /> <br /> ⬇️ Click Learn More<br /> <br /> Your path to a pain-free life is just a click away. Let’s make neuropathy a thing of the past.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.dynamicsiouxfalls.com/neuropathy	1251175424941279	Dynamic Spine & Neuropathy	https://facebook.com/Dynamicspinechiropractic	1,905	1	1,186,943,999,134,855	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Dynamic Spine & Neuropathy	6620056244323	dynamicsiouxfalls.com	NONE	image	Step into a Neuropathy Free Life	https://www.dynamicsiouxfalls.com/neuropathy	2024-05-08 08:04	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441255458_3794754020782948_8133135512305956792_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=vzPLgTnnd-sQ7kNvgE8tNuT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDMWcuTvf9OTaug3S6RQtsHeYsKDqdTG9roV0NJa3PuPQ&oe=6641C4EA	person_profile	Dynamic Spine Chiropractic - S	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441209753_1186587835627395_2759377485589601218_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2XqJ2pU6EHIQ7kNvgEi_OSr&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC_XHqKelWHoEXteVgYsW6_lx3MYnq-nm0uP7oEWXCO_Q&oe=6641DE8D	3	Dynamic Spine & Neuropathy	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,777,896	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1777897}'	No	2024-05-08 18:30	active	760	2682493655242370	Instant Nerve Comfort and Peace 😊	The joy of life's simple pleasures, like a walk in the park or playing with the kids and grandkids, shouldn't be overshadowed by nerve pain. Nerve Renew’s fast-acting, doctor-recommended cream helps bring back the joy in all your everyday activities.<br /> <br /> Rediscover life – try Nerve Renew now! 👉👉👉 <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fnerverenew.com%2Fpages%2Flanders-nrc1&h=AT3G6OsDYE_AO1jEFTpciHeK_Rq2dfDqO9ennvDNbAocQ9t9FEF-nA-RlLjUP67F9muMpCrDhjP_9TROVSHUpcgOCdgCxKrVAQaysBQF4aA_9kfoBAVScbtAvQNGp96GMNhr4TqQgHKJLg" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://nerverenew.com/pages/landers-nrc1</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://nerverenew.com/pages/landers-nrc1	175537252604114	Nerve Renew	https://facebook.com/NerveHealthGroup	102,139	2	1,733,152,277,203,391	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Nerve Renew	120209291938760303	nerverenew.com	NONE	video		https://nerverenew.com/pages/landers-nrc1	2024-05-02 16:50	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440263623_1093703148552041_4744638446013751415_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=DXdKCLfTaHEQ7kNvgFSBKSx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCAsi_n_dvHgn4eFI5vkHrI2QFRQ4keKlilbRCVGWnXUA&oe=6641E96F	person_profile	Nerve Renew	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440331490_240055315837389_7231624974531416260_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=dxZrETgFBGoQ7kNvgHyiVOv&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCmC7e_iTHdc1GbP04_Topmq60HBaor6qc_PhE_9s49rQ&oe=6641DA3A	3	Nerve Renew	2024-05-03 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,961	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778979}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	969291647995203	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	1,146,168,626,433,219	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Novellove read	120208491420390660	fbweb.moboreader.net	NONE	video		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/46526322-fb_contact-enj57-1125-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=216543&accid=1910509592737470	2024-05-06 05:06	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438198221_751888137140242_1043376027456933854_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=7qzYpgjZE7cQ7kNvgGezmKx&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDzD8LbCgc7hEQ6QeVe34xgUgNo-Zb7VLuG08IMyEErmg&oe=6641D8B0	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438196582_466091895887613_2526058722737654800_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=oP46Ny3c5rYQ7kNvgGSZ-N8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCUr5sU3KJPK2Gz8G84Wsf1pSpleev7c9J4YPLkt1oyPA&oe=6641E110	3	Novellove read	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,972	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778933}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	1170481440972905	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	1	7,460,953,620,689,531	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Love Story City	120208810901940493	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	2024-05-06 21:02	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440944010_314915108144496_4518745533971418969_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bRhnrMkrXwQQ7kNvgEx3g23&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAvgfHtmAltvwkCEfbyKb2qwAdg__FN6c9M3-wfLR050Q&oe=6641EBA2	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441238137_806933440907774_3943127250688628162_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QZbV1XEeJ8MQ7kNvgG6r6FJ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAAuLUiLdnMOddlkZeLHti-RcXMy-ejuTrn4WoBrrXx4w&oe=6641ED6D	3	Love Story City	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,983	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778933}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	1638294390307301	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	1	2,149,612,812,063,572	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Love Story City	120208810923940493	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	2024-05-06 21:03	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441455858_1169553310722386_1235524412196218207_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LUGDVnxoV0oQ7kNvgFBpnSQ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBN7zH9oR88PL6kxeoh_doJQQ2mX72Rz_rEP-D8NX_y-Q&oe=6641D8EA	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441472649_747745034195147_4659910629299702323_n.jpg?_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=w2bXEBzCYvYQ7kNvgGy0djZ&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDje_M8nNzqEOu23oMSHh26bfWzJgx6AZOEtvk-ZRl0mg&oe=6641EBC3	3	Love Story City	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,158	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778286}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	497936546116546	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	He won't be coming home tonight, he's too busy sleeping with me. A full year of passion, something you and him will never have.<br /> <picture attachment><br /> A picture of some random bimbo with blonde hair and a stupid smirk was cuddling up next to my boyfriend who was half undressed and sleeping. Long forgetting his girlfriend who was at home like a fool, waiting for her boyfriend to show up so they could celebrate their four years together. And that was the day I found out my boyfriend of four years was cheating on me for the last year of our relationship.<br /> ___________<br /> <br /> Everything was set on the table. Dinner, candles, cranberry juice for me and spirits for him, and pasta. All on the table that was covered in a table cloth. I was wearing a blood red knee length dress that flowed with every step I took. The spaghetti straps resting securely on my shoulder blades. I wore the diamond necklace he had gotten me for our four year anniversary. My hair settling on my back, the curls swaying back and forth as I walk from the kitchen to the dining room. I noticed the clock and sent him a quick text.<br /> I have a surprise for you! can't wait until you get home.<br /> I smile and press send, waiting patiently for him to arrive.<br /> 3 hours later<br /> I watch as the candles slowly start to die for the fifth time. I look back at my phone and let out a shaky breath as I reread the text that had a picture attached to it.<br /> He won't be coming home tonight, he's too busy sleeping with me. A full year of passion, something you and him will never have.<br /> <picture attachment><br /> A picture of some random bimbo with blonde hair and a stupid smirk was cuddling up next to my boyfriend who was half undressed and sleeping. Long forgetting his girlfriend who was at home like a fool, waiting for her boyfriend to show up so they could celebrate their four years together. And that was the day I found out my boyfriend of four years was cheating on me for the last year of our relationship.<br /> 3 months earlier<br /> "Okay but if you had to choose one person to take to an island who would it be?"<br /> He asks me as my legs rest on his lap and we share another night of long-random talks.<br /> "Well what kind of question is that? I'll obviously take Johnny Depp."<br /> I let out a laugh as he frowns at my response.<br /> "I'm joking silly! of course I'll take you!"<br /> He smiles<br /> "That's much better."<br /> He gives my leg a pat.<br /> "I love you."<br /> "I love you too Luke."<br /> "No matter what happens right?"<br /> "No matter what happens."<br /> I assure him.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> I move to sit on the couch and cross my legs letting my thoughts wander. He was a lying prick who deserves to rot in inferno along with his little friend. I wonder how many times he had cheated on me with that blonde bimbo. Probably as he slept with you he was thinking about her. All the pecks he shared with you, he was thinking of pecking her. All those passionate nights he had with you, he was thinking about her. All those I love you's meant nothing to him when they escaped his mouth, he just saw you as someone to return home to. He knew you wouldn't leave him, that is if you didn't find out about his little secret.<br /> All these thoughts clouded my mind making me become more aware of how the signs were there but I never paid attention to any of them and how tightly he had me wrapped around his finger. I was just a toy for him to play with when he got home and he needed someone to be next to, someone he knew would never leave him. And that someone was me. And yet again a memory fills my head.<br /> <br /> 2 months earlier<br /> "Sorry I'm late babe, work was piling up."<br /> He says and I notice his hair was a mess and his shirt untucked.<br /> "You probably did have a busy day, if you would let your hair be a mess like that."<br /> Giving me a nervous laugh he gives my cheek a peck.<br /> "I'm going to take a bath if you want to join me."<br /> I say, whispering in his ear.<br /> "Maybe another day Nikky, I'm really tired."<br /> I felt rejected, that was the fifth time this month. I gave him a smile and nodded walking to our bathroom to start my bath.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> "Well, of course, he didn't want to be with me because he had already had his time with the bimbo."<br /> I say out loud as I just sat there staring at nothing, I suddenly got an idea. Getting up I make my way to my bedroom and go to my closet and take out all his clothes along with his shoes. Laying them all on the bed I go back to the kitchen and grab a bunch of black garbage bags and start putting all his clothes in them. Once I was done with everything that belonged to him I called our landlord and asked him if he could help me with some garbage that I had. I waited patiently by the door and when I heard the knock I opened it and gave him a smile.<br /> "Mr. Jackson thank you so much for helping me."<br /> I say and guided him to the bedroom where the bags were.<br /> He saw that there were hangers laying on the bed and that drawers were open and empty. He doesn't say anything but grabs as many bags he could until he had them all out the door.<br /> "Will that be it, Miss. Anderson?"<br /> He asks giving me a gentle smile.<br /> "Yes, thank you for your help Mr. Jackson."<br /> I say and he nods and I close the door.<br /> I wonder if all those trips he took that were supposedly just for meetings were actually him and the bimbo getting together for a vacation.<br /> <br /> 1 month earlier<br /> "That's so weird, that you have to go at such a short notice."<br /> I say as I keep my eyes on Luke walking in and out of the closet, as he set his things neatly in his suitcase.<br /> "I know, it's an important meeting and I can't miss it for anything."<br /> He gives me a small smile and I get up and go to our bathroom and get his toothbrush.<br /> "Forgetting something?"<br /> I say and he pecks my forehead.<br /> "You're a lifesaver."<br /> "I try."<br /> I say making my way to our sofa that was in our bedroom, I bring my legs up and rest my chin on top of my knees. All while watching my boyfriend pack his things. As I sat there, I quickly remember the fourth of July party.<br /> "But what about my family's fourth of July party? You know your family is also invited."<br /> He walks over and crouches in front of me.<br /> "No worries, I'll be back before that."<br /> I smile and nod as he gives my forehead a peck.<br /> "Love you and don't forget to lock the doors."<br /> He tells me as he zips up his suitcase.<br /> "I'm not a child Luke."<br /> I say and he smiles.<br /> "I know you're not, but I've never had a twenty- five year old girlfriend."<br /> That's right he always had someone closer to his age and I was five years younger than him.<br /> "Be careful."<br /> I say getting up and walks towards him.<br /> "Always am Nikky."<br /> He grabs my waist and gives me a quick peck.<br /> <br /> Present Time<br /> He was going on vacation with her, while you stayed home like a complete fool just waiting for him to come home. She's probably closer to his age and a lot more mature than you. And when he gets tired of your childish acts, that's when he leaves with her. With those thoughts in my head, I start searching the whole house for any pictures that might have him in them or remind me of him. I gather all the pictures I could find and take them to the living room. Setting the pictures down on the floor I grab the matches and start lighting one up, throwing it in the fireplace. Grabbing the pictures I start to throw one by one in letting the fire engulf them, making it that all that was left was the sparks and ashes.<br /> With every picture I burned, memories of him were vanishing along with my love for him. Everything was finally coming to pieces. All the trips he took, all those long nights at work, all those rejections were part of his lies. Just a cover up for where he truly was, sleeping around with some bimbo. All while I was at home waiting for him and giving him my love. As the pictures burned my hatred for him grew.<br /> "Babe I'm home."<br /> My head snaps up at the sound of his voice. A voice that once gave me comfort, but now disgusted me.<br /> "In the living room."<br /> I quickly hide the pictures under the couch, and put on a fake smile.<br /> He comes in with his black suit all wrinkled, his shirt un tucked, his tie loose around his neck. His blue eyes held a hint of guilt. A look I knew was fake just like the excuse he was about to give me. He was holding a bear that held a little black box, and a bouquet of red roses. Usually I would accept the gifts and forgive him, but that was before I knew his little cheating adventures. I hold my fake smile as I looked over the gifts in his hands.<br /> "So am I forgiven?"<br /> He says breaking the silence, and all I do is smile.<br /> "Oh babe it's fine, let me guess work was piling up today?"<br /> Let's see what you say you lying scumbag.<br /> I notice his eyes flicker with relief and he lets out a breath.<br /> "You know me so well babe, happy four years Nikky."<br /> He sets the bear, roses and small box on the couch. He comes closer and wraps his arms around me. All I wanted to do at that moment was push him off of me. But trying my best I hug him back. Huh he smells of cheap perfume.<br /> "I'll be back, I'm going to change and then we could have dinner."<br /> I just nod and watch him walk off to my room. I wait until he realizes that his clothes are nowhere to be found. Well at least he hasn't checked the garbage.<br /> "Nikky?"<br /> "Yea?"<br /> I respond looking at his confused face.<br /> "Why aren't any of my clothes in there?"<br /> Tell him now.<br /> "They're in the garbage."<br /> I respond.<br /> "Why?"<br /> "Well I thought since you probably have clothes at her house I could just throw away all the clothes you have here. And plus I need more space for the shoes and more clothes I want to buy."<br /> "What are you talking about?"<br /> He says confused.<br /> "Well I'm talking about the bimbo's house where you stay I'm pretty sure every night for a little sleepover."<br /> "So you assume I cheated on you?"<br /> "Oh no I'm not assuming anything, I have proof that you cheated on me."<br /> I push past him and grab my phone, opening the message and making him look at the picture. As he does his eyes go wide. He opens his mouth to say something but I cut him off.<br /> "Don't you dare say that this isn't you."<br /> I snap and he looks up at me with guilt in his blue eyes.<br /> "Don't do this."<br /> He pleads.<br /> "Leave."<br /> "Nikky come on please let me explain."<br /> "Explain what Luke?! How you cheated on me for who knows how long and yet you have the nerve to come home knowing well what you have done!"<br /> "Nikky it was a mistake!"<br /> "A mistake! No what you did was not a mistake but a choice."<br /> He doesn't say anything.<br /> "Leave! And take this because I don't want anything to do with you!"<br /> I throw the roses and bear at him, along with the little box. And the necklace I was currently wearing.<br /> "Ple-<br /> "Leave now before I call the police."<br /> He stands there looking at me.<br /> "Leave!"<br /> I bang on his chest and push him out the door. Once he is out the door I slam it shut and that's when I feel it. My heart clenches and a sob escapes my throat, tears following right after. And that's when I break, I fall to the ground and let out sobs as I realize that the guy I had loved had broken my heart and didn't think twice when he cheated on me. The guy I was having a baby with had broken me. Grabbing my stomach I let out another sob.<br /> I'm so sorry baby.<br /> <br /> The seconds turned to hours which turned to days. I had moved out from the apartment into a smaller one closer to the city. My once flat belly was now a small round bump, being 1 month pregnant and alone brought a lot of complications for me, emotionally wise. I had yet to tell my parents, for all they knew Luke and I were still a thing. I had told no one about the break up except for my best friend Charlie, who I called up the next day to help me find a new place. A place were I could start fresh, with new memories. Just my baby and I.<br /> I was meeting my mom and dad for brunch today so to make sure my bump wasn't noticeable I decided to wear a large black shirt and black leggings and a pair of vans. My hair which was once long was now above my shoulders.<br /> Mom: Sweetie why don't you invite Luke over to eat with us? Your father and I haven't seen or heard from him in a while<br /> I sigh as I look at the text.<br /> Well of course you haven't heard from the scumbag, we broke up because he cheated. And now I'm having his baby.<br /> That's what I wanted to text her, but of course I didn't. But instead replied with the same excuse. Luke was at work and couldn't make it.<br /> "Come on little bean, we have to go meet grandma and grandpa."<br /> I rub my belly and smile. Yea I was already talking to the baby, who was probably the size of a bean if not a bit larger.<br /> Walking out of the apartment I head over to my car and drive off to the cafe that was twenty minutes away.<br /> Driving was always something that I dreaded, because my mind tends to wander to questions I would rather most likely avoid. And the biggest one of course was, When are you going to tell Luke that you're pregnant? Or are you not going to? Personally I would rather keep my baby away from him and not let him know, but he is the father and legally has the right to know.<br /> Before I could get anymore into the subject, I turn the radio on, raising the volume up to drown my thoughts.<br /> By the time I get there parking was already full, so I'm forced to park a block away.<br /> "Great, that means more walking little bean. Which isn't a bad thing. But mommy gets tired."<br /> Dad: Kiddo are you almost here?<br /> I look at the text and chuckle, my dad was always impatient when it came to food.<br /> Me: Yes dad, had to park a block away but I should be there in three minutes.<br /> I turn the engine off and walk out to the crisp air. It was mid-September and the weather in Chicago was getting a bit cooler as fall approached.<br /> I start walking and as I do I start to feel nervous, the fact that my parents will finally know that Luke and I broke up and that I was pregnant and was going to be a single mom was quite the thing to get me all nervous.<br /> It'll be fine, no need to get all worked up about it. You are an adult and they can't tell you what to do anymore.<br /> I kept telling myself as I opened the door and was welcomed with the scent of coffee and warmth. I search the whole place and spot my parents all the way in the back, my dad waving his hands and my mom laughing as she brought the mug to her lips.<br /> Smiling at them I walk towards their table causing them both to get up and greet me with a hug.<br /> "Kiddo Long time no see! How's Luke?"<br /> Just the mention of that name made my stomach churn.<br /> "Yea dad it has been a long time."<br /> I reply ignoring the last part.<br /> "Mom."<br /> I say giving her a hug.<br /> "Darling, how I've missed you. Woah looks like someone is gaining a bit of weight."<br /> Come on Nikky it's now or never. You have to tell them.<br /> "Well, that's what I wanted to talk to you guys about."<br /> I explain, biting on the inside of my cheek.<br /> "Of you gaining weight?"<br /> My dad asks as he sits back down.<br /> And before I can answer a waitress comes by.<br /> "Can I get you anything to drink?"<br /> "Yea she'll have an espresso."<br /> My mom answers.<br /> I shake my head.<br /> "Actually I'll just have a hot chocolate with whipped cream on top and a chocolate chip muffin please."<br /> "Alrighty, then I'll be right out with that."<br /> "Hot chocolate?"<br /> "Yea I just wanted to try something different."<br /> I say playing around with the hem of my shirt.<br /> "So what did you want to talk about Nikky?"<br /> My mom says sitting back down and I follow sitting across from her and my dad.<br /> "Well, um okay, how do I tell you guys."<br /> Quit stalling and just tell them Nikky!<br /> "Nikky just spit it out. You know you can tell us anything."<br /> I nod, reassuring my mom that I knew that.<br /> "Okay, well I'm uh pregnant."<br /> There I said it.<br /> I looked at both my parents who had a blank stare. That is until my mother broke into a smile and stood up, making me stand up as well.<br /> "Sweetie congratulations! Why didn't you tell me sooner?"<br /> She wraps her arms around me and sways us side to side.<br /> "Come on let me get a hug."<br /> My dad says and my mom lets go letting my dad congratulate me by giving me one of his famous bear hugs.<br /> "Can't believe we're going to be grandparents."<br /> I look over at my mom who was on the verge of crying.<br /> "Mom please don't cry."<br /> I plead knowing that I had yet to tell them the other part of the news and not know how they would react with the second part once I had told them.<br /> "So how did Luke react?"<br /> They both look at me with the biggest smiles on their faces.<br /> "He doesn't know."<br /> I say and my mom blinks and my dad just smiles.<br /> "Of course! you want to make it a surprise!"<br /> I shake my head no.<br /> "We broke up, have been for a while now. I left the apartment and got a smaller one closer to the city. Charlie helped me pick it out."<br /> "You're not going to keep it am I right?"<br /> My mother asks looking rather angry.<br /> I was taken aback from her remark, does she mean an abortion?<br /> "No, I plan on keeping my baby."<br /> "Nikky do you know what our friends will say when they find out about this?"<br /> I don't answer her but just continue staring at both my parents, letting her comment process.<br /> Why would I want to have an abortion? This baby was a blessing for me and there was no way that I was going to end my little bean's life. Sure being a single mom would be a bit more challenging but I had my friends, and I thought I had my family but apparently they don't approve.<br /> "Or if you don't want an abortion, we can have it be adopted."<br /> I look at my mother with a look of disgust.<br /> "It's a baby, not it. And I will not have an abortion nor will I have the baby be adopted."<br /> I speak low as to not cause a scene, not that it mattered.<br /> "Nikky listen to your mother, this won't be good for your reputation. Think about it, you'll be a single mom living on your own and not even married with a baby on the way."<br /> I scoff.<br /> "Are you listening to yourself, dad?! Not married and with a baby? This is the twenty-first century, things change and not being married and with a kid is one of them."<br /> Before my mom could reply the waitress comes with our stuff.<br /> "Actually I'll like to have my things to go please."<br /> I say giving her a small smile.<br /> She looks between my mom and I and nods, maybe she could sense the tension going on.<br /> "Of course."<br /> "Thank you."<br /> I turn back to my parents.<br /> "Don't worry, we won't be causing you or your reputation any more trouble."	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1,778,153	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778135}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	471664215208122	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	“I want to tie you up, Charlotte. I have ever since I saw you. I want to bind you up into a beautiful toy. I want to receive obedience from your pretty little mouth. I want to dominate and own every part of your body; I want to lay claim to your beauty as mine and mine alone. I want to hurt you a little, but within the safe confines of play.”<br /> “I want to bring you to heights of pleasure you’ve never reached, have you squirm and cry and beg for more, to the point that you will do anything just for the taste of a climax. That is my pleasure.”<br /> <br /> ————————<br /> CHARLOTTE pov<br /> “I preferred your other clothes,” Derek said quietly.<br /> “Wh-What?” I stammered out as I clutched tighter at my bag strap.<br /> “I said,” Derek said carefully, “I preferred your other clothes.”<br /> “My other . . .?”<br /> “Your other clothes, yes.” His head tilted slightly to the left, and that loose curl brushed delicately across his forehead. I was frozen, pinned in place by his intensely dark eyes.<br /> “Take your clothes off, Charlotte.”<br /> “What?” Every nerve in my body jumped on alert, and heat warmed my cheeks so fast it was as if I had been slapped. I took a single step back. “No!”<br /> “You said you wanted to try something new,” Derek continued, still as calm as ever and unfazed by my instant rejection. “I thought you were something beautiful to look at, a stunning gem in a sea of faces that didn’t care about what I was talking about. Then today, you turned up looking like a basic cut-and-dry student, and frankly, I’m a little offended.”<br /> “You can’t . . . you shouldn’t . . .” I couldn’t get my thoughts in order, caught between my sensibilities and how utterly close this was to a drawn-out fantasy. Did I fall asleep in class? Did I trip down the stairs and knock myself into some fantasy land where a handsome man like Derek could have even a drop of interest in me?<br /> “You are, of course, welcome to say no.”<br /> “No!” I blurted out, and I pushed past him, making my way to the door. This was wrong, this was so wrong. He was my teacher, and there was no way he should be asking me things like that.<br /> And yet, when I reached the door and touched the handle, something made me stop. Maybe it was the excited skip of my heart at the sound of Derek saying those words to me or the exhausted result of constantly being picked at and shoved down by Haley.<br /> The boring, sensible, good girl inside me knew that this was wrong. <br /> But . . . I didn’t want to be that good girl anymore.<br /> I wanted to be the bad girl.<br /> “Is this . . . a joke?” I asked softly, my voice trembling with how hard my heart was hammering beneath my ribs.<br /> “I would never,” Derek replied, and it was the first time I had ever heard his voice pitch up slightly as if he were throwing his entire reputation behind that word. Whether it was that or his entirely calm presence, I couldn’t decide.<br /> My bag slipped from my shoulder and landed with a heavy thud on the floor, and then I reached for the hem of my halter top.<br /> My halter top landed on the floor next to my bag, and my heart thudded so rapidly I was a little concerned I was going to pass out.<br /> What was I doing? Standing in front of the most gorgeous man I have ever seen, my teacher to boot, and following his instruction to take my clothes off because I was tired of being the boring good girl.<br /> If I got caught, my time at this university would be over. I wouldn’t be able to show my face to anyone ever again, and my mother, she would be utterly horrified. <br /> Suddenly, Derek’s hand gripped my chin, and he tilted my head up to meet his gaze.<br /> “Slowly,” Derek instructed quietly. “I want you to take your clothes off slowly. ”<br /> I nodded once, and his touch fell away. I had never done anything like this before, not even with my ex, and I had absolutely no idea how to slowly remove my clothes in a way that was alluring. I undid the button on my jeans, lowered the zipper, and slowly started to push them past my hips.<br /> “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?” Derek asked. He stood in front of me, his stance wide and his arms once again crossed. Just hearing those words flared my cheeks hotter, and a sudden small grunt came from him.<br /> “The way your cheeks are rosy tells me that maybe no one has.”<br /> “It’s . . .” I started awkwardly, but he hushed me with a click of his tongue.<br /> “If you’re going to speak,” he said, “I want clear, concise answers.”<br /> I fought the scoff in my throat. I was not a clear, concise person.<br /> “No,” I said breathlessly, leaning down to get my shoes off and kick off these impossible jeans.<br /> My hair fell forward like a heated blanket, and by the time I straightened up, my face was flushed hotter. I was terrified and excited all at the same time.<br /> “I think you are beautiful,” Derek said, and he began to pace around me in a very slow circle.<br /> “The brightness in your eyes, the beautiful way your lips come together like a heart. The apple of your cheeks, the deep curves of your body . . . all of it.”<br /> “Curves?” I repeated in disbelief. “Don’t you mean—”<br /> “Curves,” Derek interrupted. “But your instinct to correct me, to have me say a different word like . . . fat, perhaps? That is what you need to change.”<br /> He finished his circle and stopped in front of me.<br /> “Clothes don’t make a person new. Internal change does. Growing that confidence from in here . . .” Derek reached forward and gently pressed two fingers to where my heart would be. My skin jumped at his contact. I had never been touched by a man before, and here I was, standing in my underwear, getting excited because Derek’s hand was so close to my chest.<br /> This had to be some kind of dream.<br /> “Tell me,” he instructed. “What prompted this change? When I first saw you in your blouses and elegant skirts, you exuded much more comfortable confidence than you do in these jeans. Why the change now?”<br /> My heart continued to race, and my mouth ran dry as I contemplated the honesty of my answer.<br /> “It was a spur of the moment,” I replied.<br /> “Tell me the truth.”<br /> There was something about the intensity of his dark gaze that made me want to do exactly that. It was the same intensity that had me feeling calm despite the absurdity of this moment and what had me convinced this was some kind of dream.<br /> This was as far from being a good girl as I could get.<br /> “There was someone,” I began, and my voice quavered once more. “Someone who made me feel seen for the first time in . . . well, ever. And I wanted to chase that feeling just for a little bit because I . . .” I paused, and Derek raised one dark brow expectantly.<br /> “I’m tired. I’m tired of being the good girl with nothing in my life but books and grades. I’m tired of being overlooked because of my weight, and people can’t see past it. I’m tired of only being concerned with deadlines and papers, with tests and keeping everything on track that makes other people happy. I want to be happy.”<br /> The words spilled out of me like a river, and I couldn’t stop them. Maybe it was the fear of standing there in my underwear or it was the exhilaration of doing something so far out of the norm, but I was riding a high I had never even tasted before. Whatever the reason, the words came, and Derek smiled.<br /> “There it is,” he said quietly, “the real reason you didn’t walk out that door. Change is good. You just have to embrace it.” He stepped away and placed both his hands on his narrow hips. “Keep going.”<br /> My heart stilled. Taking off my top and jeans had been easier, in a way. But my underwear?<br /> Exposing myself like that to a breathtakingly handsome guy like that? My hands came together, and I clutched at my own knuckles as Derek’s gaze slowly drifted down me.<br /> “Are you uncomfortable?” Derek asked.<br /> “Yes,” I replied instantly, then I shook my head. “No . . . no, I’m . . . I’ve never done anything like this before, and I mean . . . I’m this and you’re . . .”<br /> “I’m what?”<br /> “You’re gorgeous.”<br /> “And you’re not?” Derek’s eyes narrowed. “Take your underwear off, Charlotte. I want to see all of you, but I will not ask a third time.”<br /> To my surprise, a sudden pulse of annoyance washed over me. I was annoyed at Derek because . . . because he was calling me beautiful? That almost didn’t make sense. Could he really not see how wrong he was?<br /> “I’m not,” I snapped slightly. “How can you say that when you’ve seen all the other girls—”<br /> “I didn’t ask other girls to stay behind with me, did I? I asked you,” Derek stated firmly. “I understand. You are anxious, you have a lot to unravel about how you feel about yourself, and you have never done this before. But I am here, asking you to strip so I can admire your gorgeous chest and glimpse the pretty little private part I know sits between your thighs. But if it is too much, then you are free to walk away.”<br /> Every word out of his mouth sent my heart racing harder and harder in my chest and I almost couldn’t breathe. Warmth clenched between my thighs as my chest constricted slightly.<br /> This has to be a dream, a fantasy conjured up from falling asleep in class. If this is just a dream, then what would be the harm in following it through to the end?<br /> “I . . .” I began, and Derek slowly moved closer. He stopped in front of me and delicately grasped my chin once more. Just like that, my mind went quiet.<br /> “Charlotte,” he purred softly, “you know what I want. I know you want to stop being a good girl, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be obedient. You haven’t left, you want to be here, so let me see.”<br /> The urge to please him, to make Derek happy that he asked me here, surged up so rapidly that I noticed that my hands were no longer shaking until I reached behind my back to unclasp my bra. His words, his very touch, had calmed me once more.<br /> Derek stepped back, and I slid my bra from my shoulders, dropping it onto the floor with the rest of my clothes. His lips parted, and a rosy pink tongue darted out to wet them. My gut clenched with nerves as I dropped my hands to my panties and Derek’s gaze followed them.<br /> In a single surge of confidence, I dropped my panties and stepped out of them. Taking a deep breath, I fought to calm the sudden wild flutter of my heart, and a nervous heat pulsed through me from head to toe. Derek, to my surprise, looked at me with such adoration that warmth prickled behind my eyes.<br /> Was I going to cry?<br /> I was emotional because he found me beautiful?<br /> “Charlotte,” Derek said softly, “I’m going to touch you now. Is that okay?”<br /> I nodded.<br /> “I need vocal consent,” he added.<br /> “Yes,” I managed after a moment, and I closed my eyes. If this was a dream, I was going to wake up the second he touched me, I just knew it. Derek’s warm presence moved around me, and he came to a stop behind me.<br /> Suddenly, his large, warm hands settled on both of my shoulders, and he kneaded into the muscles with one roll of his hands.<br /> “Relax,” he murmured, his lips so close to my ear that I felt the faintest brush of them against my skin. I couldn’t relax, but Derek’s hands never left me. They slid down both my arms, then his entire solid form pressed up against my undressed back. I gasped.<br /> He was so tall and warm, but what surprised me the most was how solid and muscular he felt. At<br /> a glance, he didn’t look like a typically well-built guy, but having him press against me changed that immediately. His hands swept from my arms to my stomach, and I fought a grimace. Having someone caress what I disliked was an alien feeling, but Derek didn’t stop. He continued to stroke over my abdomen, then his palms skimmed upward and he grasped two handfuls of my large chest.<br /> I whimpered in surprise and jolted back against him, his rough palms teasing over my papilla, and they stiffened to peaks instantly. A pulse of embarrassment shot through me, and I tried to step back once again, but I had nowhere to go. Derek was a firm statue behind me, and he used that grip on my chest to pull me back into his body.<br /> “The things I want to do to you, Charlotte,” he groaned softly, and his lips pressed against the top of my head.<br /> “Like what?” I managed to gasp out through each trembling breath escaping my lungs.<br /> “Things no one has ever done.”<br /> “No one has ever done anything,” I whimpered. “I’m a . . . a maiden.”<br /> The word escaped into the air, and Derek’s hands paused on my chest. Instantly, my world started to turn cold as if I had immediately ruined whatever this was going to be. Just as that fear started to take hold, Derek’s left hand released my left chest and slid back down to my stomach, then further still.<br /> “Then I am going to do everything to you,” Derek murmured in my ear, and his voice was so low that the gravel timbre had increased tenfold. “I’m going to take you apart and make you lose yourself in a sea of pleasure that there is no coming back from.”<br /> “Yes,” I gasped, and suddenly, he pinched my right papilla, twisting sharply enough that a sharp jolt of pain lanced through my chest. I yelped and flinched back into his hold.<br /> “All I require is your obedience,” Derek growled softly, and I nodded my head rapidly.<br /> “Yes,” I agreed quickly. “Yes!”<br /> My fantasy was so close to becoming a reality, I would do anything to keep this dream going for a little longer.<br /> DEREK pov<br /> “I know every instinct in your body is to fight this, Charlotte, that every anxiety-riddled thought and fear is to push back against this, but I am asking you to trust me. Lean into the desk.”<br /> Charlotte’s beautiful eyes flickered back and forth between mine, then she finally gave a small nod and let herself rest back against the desk.<br /> I hadn’t thought someone as stunning as her would be a maiden, but it certainly didn’t dampen my desire to own her. If anything, it fueled that heat. I could take her and mold her into the perfect little pet, teach her to lose herself in the ocean of desire I could provide for her.<br /> “Lean back a little further,” I coaxed. Charlotte clutched at the edge of the desk but obeyed. I waited until she tipped her head back, and then I gently pressed my lips to the column of her throat.<br /> The smallest little gasp escaped her rosy lips, and I smiled against the rampant flutter of her pulse I could feel against my tongue.<br /> It almost matched the excited patter of my own heart.<br /> “Have you ever touched yourself, Charlotte?” I asked while I gently pecked down to her collarbone. Was I about to give Charlotte her first-ever climax, or just her first climax coaxed out of her by another person?<br /> “Yes,” she whimpered, and a tremble darted through her entire body.<br /> “Interesting,” I teased. “Tell me about it.”<br /> The flush of her cheeks had spread down to her chest, giving her ample body an adorable full-body flush. If she reacted like this, I was curious how she would react to things such as impact play.<br /> “I–I don’t know how,” Charlotte murmured, and I paused the peckes I had delicately laid over her collarbone. If I wasn’t careful, her nerves would get the better of her.<br /> “Tell me what you use,” I instructed. “Do you like toys or do you only touch yourself with your fingers?”<br /> “Uhm . . . a t–toy,” she whined softly, and I smirked faintly, gathering her large chest in both hands and kneading the flesh. Her stiff papilla dragged against my palms, and Charlotte’s next breath sounded strained.<br /> “What kind of toy?” I dipped my face down between her chest, gently pecking every inch I could reach. Skimming my palms upward, I quickly took her left papillainto my mouth while simultaneously squeezing her right between my fingers.<br /> Charlotte jolted.<br /> “A . . . a vibrator. I’ve never been able to do anything with just my fingers,” she blurted out.<br /> Interesting.<br /> I sank my teeth into the stiff flesh of her papilla. Charlotte yelped above me, then I pulled back and stood. In a flash, I was leaning over her, one hand braced on the desk beside her to pin her down while my other teased my fingertips over her abdomen and down further toward the hidden heat between her thighs.<br /> “Never with your fingers, huh?” I asked softly. Charlotte’s entire face flushed red as she nodded.<br /> “Let me fix that.”<br /> The angle at which she was leaning on the desk meant her legs were parted, and I slid my hand against the silky soft skin of her inner thigh. It was the only warning I gave her, then I dipped further and slid two fingers through the slick, welcoming heat of her private part. My digits instantly became slicked in her juices, and I smiled down at her.<br /> “Well, well, you’re more turned on than I expected,” I teased.<br /> “I’m sorry!” Charlotte blurted out, and both of her hands rose to grasp onto my shirt.<br /> “Hush,” I soothed. “Never apologize for something like this.” Telling her to relax wouldn’t have any effect. I could see the nervous uncertainty in her eyes, so instead, I focused on stroking her with my fingers and studying the subtle changes in her expression to work out what she liked the most.<br /> “Lean into the feeling,” I whispered. “Let it guide you.”<br /> Charlotte’s head fell back, fully lying back on the desk, and I covered her with the shadow of my body. She was mine and mine alone to admire. I teased my fingertips gently through her folds, from her cherry down to her hole. My fingers were soaked in seconds, and I could only dream of how wet she would get if we had a proper session together.<br /> Back up to her cherry, I began to tease in a circular motion, changing direction each time Charlotte’s eyes fluttered up at me. Her body tensed like a wave underneath mine, and her thighs quickly closed around my wrist.<br /> “Good?”<br /> “Yes,” she whimpered softly. “Strange . . . It feels strange but good.”<br /> I could remember the first time a woman touched my shaft. Having someone else tease pleasure out of you could be a strange but welcoming sensation, so I kept my strokes slow and controlled.<br /> Charlotte’s thighs relaxed after a beat, and her hips rose up to press into my fingers as I stroked back down her folds. With gentle circles, I started to stroke just outside her entrance while my thumb took over the teasing stimulation of her cherry.<br /> “Talk to me,” I whispered down to her, and those stunning emerald eyes locked onto mine. “Tell me how it feels.”<br /> “It’s . . .” Charlotte stammered, and her eyes fluttered once more. “It’s good. It’s really good.” She was growing breathless, the flush down her body darkening a fraction, and I wanted to bury my face in her ample point just to soak up the heat of her body. I resisted for now. Doing so would interrupt my focus on her private part and her pleasure.<br /> “Tell me what you need.”<br /> “What I need?”<br /> “Do you want me inside you?” I clarified, and I leaned down to gently brush my nose against hers.<br /> It caught her attention, and her eyes focused back on me.<br /> “Yes.” Her nervous admittance was followed by my sinking my two soaked fingers into her private part and pressing my thumb down hard against her cherry.<br /> Charlotte yelped, then removed one hand from my shirt to slap it over her mouth. Her eyes were wide and her rosy cheeks shone.<br /> I began to pump my fingers in and out of her, all the while ensuring that my thumb relentlessly<br /> teased her cherry. Hard strokes of the pad, flicks of my nail, and constant friction went hand in hand with the flick of my wrist thrusting my fingers inside her.<br /> Charlotte’s entire body reacted, rolling like a wave across my desk, and once again, her thighs closed around my hand. That didn’t stop me, though, and I increased the pace of my fingers as her slick juices ran down my hand.<br /> “Oh,” Charlotte whined behind her fingers, a muffled sound that I didn’t mind right now. If we were at home, I’d make her scream.<br /> Charlotte gasped and writhed, then suddenly, she went completely still and her private part clamped down around my fingers like a hot vise. The sweetest voice suddenly spilled from her throat, and her eyes screwed closed, then the walls of her private part rippled firmly around my fingers.<br /> She came? That was fast.<br /> “Good girl,” I praised, and Charlotte whined. “Sorry, should I say bad girl?”<br /> Charlotte shook her head back and forth on the desk as I continued to pump my fingers and aid her through her climax. By the time she relaxed, panting, my hand was soaked but I was satisfied.<br /> And it wasn’t over.<br /> “My turn.” I pulled my hand free of her thighs and rounded and dropped into my seat behind my desk. Watching her, touching her, and feeling her against me had built up my arousal so quickly that my shaft was aching in my pants and I wasn’t about to go untouched.<br /> “I . . .” Charlotte gasped, then she very slowly sat up. “That was . . .”<br /> “On your knees, Charlotte,” I instructed a little sharper. “Don’t keep me waiting.”<br /> She turned to look at me over her shoulder, and her eyes were wide, slightly glazed from the pleasure still lingering in her body. I half expected her to refuse, but to my utter awe, Charlotte slid from the desk and settled her beautiful, curvaceous body right between my spread legs.<br /> “I–I’ve never—”<br /> “Just follow my instructions,” I interrupted her. “And trust me.”<br /> Charlotte nodded.<br /> I unzipped my pants and wriggled down the cotton of my boxers to free my aching shaft. Her eyes went wide the moment it sprang free, and her pink tongue darted out to swipe at her lower lip.<br /> “Open your mouth and relax your throat like you’re about to hum. Breathe when you can, not when you want to,” I instructed. “I’m going to drill your throat the way it deserves to be drilled, understand?”<br /> Charlotte glanced up at me, the green almost gone from her eyes with how wide her pupils had blown from desire.<br /> “Yes,” she whispered.<br /> The way she settled on her haunches and parted her lips was like something out of my sinful dreams. She opened her mouth wide and sat there, obediently waiting.<br /> I couldn’t resist. Her inexperience meant nothing in the wake of my desire to take her.<br /> Both hands curled into her soft blond curls, and I guided her forward, giving her a few moments to adjust to the feel of a shaft sliding past her lips. I guided her forward a couple of inches and watched as her eyes slightly lost focus, likely processing the thick weight of my shaft on her tongue.<br /> “Relax.” My last instruction to her, then I thrust forward and shoved another few inches of my shaft into her waiting mouth. She choked immediately, a raw, wet sound that sent a pulse of pleasure straight through my gut as I groaned loudly. Then I began to drill her mouth in earnest. Caution for her inexperience was the only thing stopping me from thrusting all the way deep and burying myself in her throat. I used my grip on her hair like reins and pulled her forward each time my hips rose up from the<br /> chair, drilling her mouth hard and fast.<br /> “what a treat it would be to have you under my desk every day. To feel the warmth of your mouth on my shaft every single morning, to drill your throat between classes and pump you so full of release you’re swollen by the end of the day.”<br /> A choked-off voice rose up from Charlotte, and her tongue pressed up against the underside of my shaft. If she was trying to talk, her words were lost in my barrage of thrusts. My core tightened, and heat began to swell in my gut as my climax rapidly approached. I couldn’t hold back, not after getting to admire Charlotte and feel her first climax around my fingers. My thrusts became more erratic, and I had no warning to give Charlotte when I suddenly pulled her all the way forward and buried my shaft deep into her throat.<br /> Charlotte choked sharply, and I came with a loud cry.<br /> Pulse after pulse of release poured down her throat as she struggled slightly against me. Her fingernails dug into the meat of my thigh, but she didn’t try to push herself away. She stayed there, obedient in my hold. I held her flush against me for a few long seconds as I rode out the initial waves of my climax, then I released her and sagged back into my chair.<br /> Charlotte coughing and choking slightly as she worked to swallow what release had escaped into her mouth. Her chest heaved, her chest swaying slightly, and for the first time in a long time, I was satisfied.<br /> I had taken control. I had made this happen. I had satisfied us both.<br /> “YOU SHOULD GO BACK to your old clothes,” I said gently as Charlotte buckled herself back into her jeans. She looked at me through the curtain of hair that had fallen over her left shoulder.<br /> “Really?”<br /> “You’re beautiful, but you’re stunning when you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing. The Charlotte from last week was definitely more confident than the Charlotte with me now.”<br /> “The Charlotte last week wouldn’t have done what I’d just done,” she replied quietly. Clothes sorted, Charlotte swept her hair back from her face and fixed me with an uncertain look, although the pleased glint in her eye was unmistakable.<br /> “That is true,” I agreed, “but just think about it. Confidence comes from within and enhances beauty. Remember that.”<br /> She leaned down to grab her bag, and I quietly admired the swell of her hip. Every ample curve she had was just begging for me to sink my teeth into her, and boy, was I hooked.<br /> “So . . .” Charlotte clutched at her bag strap much like she had done at the end of class.<br /> “So?” I quirked a brow. If nothing else, getting Charlotte to speak concisely would be a goal regardless of drill.<br /> “What does this mean?”<br /> “What does what mean?”<br /> “Me and you. If there is a . . . I mean . . .” Charlotte trailed off, and a dusting of pink flushed over her cheeks.<br /> I turned on my spot against the desk and reached for a scrap of paper where I quickly scribbled down my address. Turning back, I handed it to her.<br /> “If you want to know more, if you want to do more, then come and see me here.” I gave the paper<br /> a slight shake.<br /> “Do more?” Charlotte stepped forward and cautiously took the paper.<br /> “If you come there, then it means you want me to play with you. Really play with you. If not, then as soon as you walk out that door, we will act like this was nothing more than a single moment to treasure until the end of days. It’s your choice.”<br /> “Okay.” Charlotte’s head ducked as she studied the paper, then she flashed me a smile and slowly walked away.<br /> The decision was entirely hers, but a small pull of yearning rose in my heart. Now that I’d had a taste of her, I couldn’t help but desperately want more.	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1,778,181	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778135}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:35	active	760	798775438500501	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	“I want to tie you up, Charlotte. I have ever since I saw you. I want to bind you up into a beautiful toy. I want to receive obedience from your pretty little mouth. I want to dominate and own every part of your body; I want to lay claim to your beauty as mine and mine alone. I want to hurt you a little, but within the safe confines of play.”<br /> “I want to bring you to heights of pleasure you’ve never reached, have you squirm and cry and beg for more, to the point that you will do anything just for the taste of a climax. That is my pleasure.”<br /> <br /> ————————<br /> CHARLOTTE pov<br /> “I preferred your other clothes,” Derek said quietly.<br /> “Wh-What?” I stammered out as I clutched tighter at my bag strap.<br /> “I said,” Derek said carefully, “I preferred your other clothes.”<br /> “My other . . .?”<br /> “Your other clothes, yes.” His head tilted slightly to the left, and that loose curl brushed delicately across his forehead. I was frozen, pinned in place by his intensely dark eyes.<br /> “Take your clothes off, Charlotte.”<br /> “What?” Every nerve in my body jumped on alert, and heat warmed my cheeks so fast it was as if I had been slapped. I took a single step back. “No!”<br /> “You said you wanted to try something new,” Derek continued, still as calm as ever and unfazed by my instant rejection. “I thought you were something beautiful to look at, a stunning gem in a sea of faces that didn’t care about what I was talking about. Then today, you turned up looking like a basic cut-and-dry student, and frankly, I’m a little offended.”<br /> “You can’t . . . you shouldn’t . . .” I couldn’t get my thoughts in order, caught between my sensibilities and how utterly close this was to a drawn-out fantasy. Did I fall asleep in class? Did I trip down the stairs and knock myself into some fantasy land where a handsome man like Derek could have even a drop of interest in me?<br /> “You are, of course, welcome to say no.”<br /> “No!” I blurted out, and I pushed past him, making my way to the door. This was wrong, this was so wrong. He was my teacher, and there was no way he should be asking me things like that.<br /> And yet, when I reached the door and touched the handle, something made me stop. Maybe it was the excited skip of my heart at the sound of Derek saying those words to me or the exhausted result of constantly being picked at and shoved down by Haley.<br /> The boring, sensible, good girl inside me knew that this was wrong. <br /> But . . . I didn’t want to be that good girl anymore.<br /> I wanted to be the bad girl.<br /> “Is this . . . a joke?” I asked softly, my voice trembling with how hard my heart was hammering beneath my ribs.<br /> “I would never,” Derek replied, and it was the first time I had ever heard his voice pitch up slightly as if he were throwing his entire reputation behind that word. Whether it was that or his entirely calm presence, I couldn’t decide.<br /> My bag slipped from my shoulder and landed with a heavy thud on the floor, and then I reached for the hem of my halter top.<br /> My halter top landed on the floor next to my bag, and my heart thudded so rapidly I was a little concerned I was going to pass out.<br /> What was I doing? Standing in front of the most gorgeous man I have ever seen, my teacher to boot, and following his instruction to take my clothes off because I was tired of being the boring good girl.<br /> If I got caught, my time at this university would be over. I wouldn’t be able to show my face to anyone ever again, and my mother, she would be utterly horrified. <br /> Suddenly, Derek’s hand gripped my chin, and he tilted my head up to meet his gaze.<br /> “Slowly,” Derek instructed quietly. “I want you to take your clothes off slowly. ”<br /> I nodded once, and his touch fell away. I had never done anything like this before, not even with my ex, and I had absolutely no idea how to slowly remove my clothes in a way that was alluring. I undid the button on my jeans, lowered the zipper, and slowly started to push them past my hips.<br /> “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?” Derek asked. He stood in front of me, his stance wide and his arms once again crossed. Just hearing those words flared my cheeks hotter, and a sudden small grunt came from him.<br /> “The way your cheeks are rosy tells me that maybe no one has.”<br /> “It’s . . .” I started awkwardly, but he hushed me with a click of his tongue.<br /> “If you’re going to speak,” he said, “I want clear, concise answers.”<br /> I fought the scoff in my throat. I was not a clear, concise person.<br /> “No,” I said breathlessly, leaning down to get my shoes off and kick off these impossible jeans.<br /> My hair fell forward like a heated blanket, and by the time I straightened up, my face was flushed hotter. I was terrified and excited all at the same time.<br /> “I think you are beautiful,” Derek said, and he began to pace around me in a very slow circle.<br /> “The brightness in your eyes, the beautiful way your lips come together like a heart. The apple of your cheeks, the deep curves of your body . . . all of it.”<br /> “Curves?” I repeated in disbelief. “Don’t you mean—”<br /> “Curves,” Derek interrupted. “But your instinct to correct me, to have me say a different word like . . . fat, perhaps? That is what you need to change.”<br /> He finished his circle and stopped in front of me.<br /> “Clothes don’t make a person new. Internal change does. Growing that confidence from in here . . .” Derek reached forward and gently pressed two fingers to where my heart would be. My skin jumped at his contact. I had never been touched by a man before, and here I was, standing in my underwear, getting excited because Derek’s hand was so close to my chest.<br /> This had to be some kind of dream.<br /> “Tell me,” he instructed. “What prompted this change? When I first saw you in your blouses and elegant skirts, you exuded much more comfortable confidence than you do in these jeans. Why the change now?”<br /> My heart continued to race, and my mouth ran dry as I contemplated the honesty of my answer.<br /> “It was a spur of the moment,” I replied.<br /> “Tell me the truth.”<br /> There was something about the intensity of his dark gaze that made me want to do exactly that. It was the same intensity that had me feeling calm despite the absurdity of this moment and what had me convinced this was some kind of dream.<br /> This was as far from being a good girl as I could get.<br /> “There was someone,” I began, and my voice quavered once more. “Someone who made me feel seen for the first time in . . . well, ever. And I wanted to chase that feeling just for a little bit because I . . .” I paused, and Derek raised one dark brow expectantly.<br /> “I’m tired. I’m tired of being the good girl with nothing in my life but books and grades. I’m tired of being overlooked because of my weight, and people can’t see past it. I’m tired of only being concerned with deadlines and papers, with tests and keeping everything on track that makes other people happy. I want to be happy.”<br /> The words spilled out of me like a river, and I couldn’t stop them. Maybe it was the fear of standing there in my underwear or it was the exhilaration of doing something so far out of the norm, but I was riding a high I had never even tasted before. Whatever the reason, the words came, and Derek smiled.<br /> “There it is,” he said quietly, “the real reason you didn’t walk out that door. Change is good. You just have to embrace it.” He stepped away and placed both his hands on his narrow hips. “Keep going.”<br /> My heart stilled. Taking off my top and jeans had been easier, in a way. But my underwear?<br /> Exposing myself like that to a breathtakingly handsome guy like that? My hands came together, and I clutched at my own knuckles as Derek’s gaze slowly drifted down me.<br /> “Are you uncomfortable?” Derek asked.<br /> “Yes,” I replied instantly, then I shook my head. “No . . . no, I’m . . . I’ve never done anything like this before, and I mean . . . I’m this and you’re . . .”<br /> “I’m what?”<br /> “You’re gorgeous.”<br /> “And you’re not?” Derek’s eyes narrowed. “Take your underwear off, Charlotte. I want to see all of you, but I will not ask a third time.”<br /> To my surprise, a sudden pulse of annoyance washed over me. I was annoyed at Derek because . . . because he was calling me beautiful? That almost didn’t make sense. Could he really not see how wrong he was?<br /> “I’m not,” I snapped slightly. “How can you say that when you’ve seen all the other girls—”<br /> “I didn’t ask other girls to stay behind with me, did I? I asked you,” Derek stated firmly. “I understand. You are anxious, you have a lot to unravel about how you feel about yourself, and you have never done this before. But I am here, asking you to strip so I can admire your gorgeous chest and glimpse the pretty little private part I know sits between your thighs. But if it is too much, then you are free to walk away.”<br /> Every word out of his mouth sent my heart racing harder and harder in my chest and I almost couldn’t breathe. Warmth clenched between my thighs as my chest constricted slightly.<br /> This has to be a dream, a fantasy conjured up from falling asleep in class. If this is just a dream, then what would be the harm in following it through to the end?<br /> “I . . .” I began, and Derek slowly moved closer. He stopped in front of me and delicately grasped my chin once more. Just like that, my mind went quiet.<br /> “Charlotte,” he purred softly, “you know what I want. I know you want to stop being a good girl, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be obedient. You haven’t left, you want to be here, so let me see.”<br /> The urge to please him, to make Derek happy that he asked me here, surged up so rapidly that I noticed that my hands were no longer shaking until I reached behind my back to unclasp my bra. His words, his very touch, had calmed me once more.<br /> Derek stepped back, and I slid my bra from my shoulders, dropping it onto the floor with the rest of my clothes. His lips parted, and a rosy pink tongue darted out to wet them. My gut clenched with nerves as I dropped my hands to my panties and Derek’s gaze followed them.<br /> In a single surge of confidence, I dropped my panties and stepped out of them. Taking a deep breath, I fought to calm the sudden wild flutter of my heart, and a nervous heat pulsed through me from head to toe. Derek, to my surprise, looked at me with such adoration that warmth prickled behind my eyes.<br /> Was I going to cry?<br /> I was emotional because he found me beautiful?<br /> “Charlotte,” Derek said softly, “I’m going to touch you now. Is that okay?”<br /> I nodded.<br /> “I need vocal consent,” he added.<br /> “Yes,” I managed after a moment, and I closed my eyes. If this was a dream, I was going to wake up the second he touched me, I just knew it. Derek’s warm presence moved around me, and he came to a stop behind me.<br /> Suddenly, his large, warm hands settled on both of my shoulders, and he kneaded into the muscles with one roll of his hands.<br /> “Relax,” he murmured, his lips so close to my ear that I felt the faintest brush of them against my skin. I couldn’t relax, but Derek’s hands never left me. They slid down both my arms, then his entire solid form pressed up against my undressed back. I gasped.<br /> He was so tall and warm, but what surprised me the most was how solid and muscular he felt. At<br /> a glance, he didn’t look like a typically well-built guy, but having him press against me changed that immediately. His hands swept from my arms to my stomach, and I fought a grimace. Having someone caress what I disliked was an alien feeling, but Derek didn’t stop. He continued to stroke over my abdomen, then his palms skimmed upward and he grasped two handfuls of my large chest.<br /> I whimpered in surprise and jolted back against him, his rough palms teasing over my papilla, and they stiffened to peaks instantly. A pulse of embarrassment shot through me, and I tried to step back once again, but I had nowhere to go. Derek was a firm statue behind me, and he used that grip on my chest to pull me back into his body.<br /> “The things I want to do to you, Charlotte,” he groaned softly, and his lips pressed against the top of my head.<br /> “Like what?” I managed to gasp out through each trembling breath escaping my lungs.<br /> “Things no one has ever done.”<br /> “No one has ever done anything,” I whimpered. “I’m a . . . a maiden.”<br /> The word escaped into the air, and Derek’s hands paused on my chest. Instantly, my world started to turn cold as if I had immediately ruined whatever this was going to be. Just as that fear started to take hold, Derek’s left hand released my left chest and slid back down to my stomach, then further still.<br /> “Then I am going to do everything to you,” Derek murmured in my ear, and his voice was so low that the gravel timbre had increased tenfold. “I’m going to take you apart and make you lose yourself in a sea of pleasure that there is no coming back from.”<br /> “Yes,” I gasped, and suddenly, he pinched my right papilla, twisting sharply enough that a sharp jolt of pain lanced through my chest. I yelped and flinched back into his hold.<br /> “All I require is your obedience,” Derek growled softly, and I nodded my head rapidly.<br /> “Yes,” I agreed quickly. “Yes!”<br /> My fantasy was so close to becoming a reality, I would do anything to keep this dream going for a little longer.<br /> DEREK pov<br /> “I know every instinct in your body is to fight this, Charlotte, that every anxiety-riddled thought and fear is to push back against this, but I am asking you to trust me. Lean into the desk.”<br /> Charlotte’s beautiful eyes flickered back and forth between mine, then she finally gave a small nod and let herself rest back against the desk.<br /> I hadn’t thought someone as stunning as her would be a maiden, but it certainly didn’t dampen my desire to own her. If anything, it fueled that heat. I could take her and mold her into the perfect little pet, teach her to lose herself in the ocean of desire I could provide for her.<br /> “Lean back a little further,” I coaxed. Charlotte clutched at the edge of the desk but obeyed. I waited until she tipped her head back, and then I gently pressed my lips to the column of her throat.<br /> The smallest little gasp escaped her rosy lips, and I smiled against the rampant flutter of her pulse I could feel against my tongue.<br /> It almost matched the excited patter of my own heart.<br /> “Have you ever touched yourself, Charlotte?” I asked while I gently pecked down to her collarbone. Was I about to give Charlotte her first-ever climax, or just her first climax coaxed out of her by another person?<br /> “Yes,” she whimpered, and a tremble darted through her entire body.<br /> “Interesting,” I teased. “Tell me about it.”<br /> The flush of her cheeks had spread down to her chest, giving her ample body an adorable full-body flush. If she reacted like this, I was curious how she would react to things such as impact play.<br /> “I–I don’t know how,” Charlotte murmured, and I paused the peckes I had delicately laid over her collarbone. If I wasn’t careful, her nerves would get the better of her.<br /> “Tell me what you use,” I instructed. “Do you like toys or do you only touch yourself with your fingers?”<br /> “Uhm . . . a t–toy,” she whined softly, and I smirked faintly, gathering her large chest in both hands and kneading the flesh. Her stiff papilla dragged against my palms, and Charlotte’s next breath sounded strained.<br /> “What kind of toy?” I dipped my face down between her chest, gently pecking every inch I could reach. Skimming my palms upward, I quickly took her left papillainto my mouth while simultaneously squeezing her right between my fingers.<br /> Charlotte jolted.<br /> “A . . . a vibrator. I’ve never been able to do anything with just my fingers,” she blurted out.<br /> Interesting.<br /> I sank my teeth into the stiff flesh of her papilla. Charlotte yelped above me, then I pulled back and stood. In a flash, I was leaning over her, one hand braced on the desk beside her to pin her down while my other teased my fingertips over her abdomen and down further toward the hidden heat between her thighs.<br /> “Never with your fingers, huh?” I asked softly. Charlotte’s entire face flushed red as she nodded.<br /> “Let me fix that.”<br /> The angle at which she was leaning on the desk meant her legs were parted, and I slid my hand against the silky soft skin of her inner thigh. It was the only warning I gave her, then I dipped further and slid two fingers through the slick, welcoming heat of her private part. My digits instantly became slicked in her juices, and I smiled down at her.<br /> “Well, well, you’re more turned on than I expected,” I teased.<br /> “I’m sorry!” Charlotte blurted out, and both of her hands rose to grasp onto my shirt.<br /> “Hush,” I soothed. “Never apologize for something like this.” Telling her to relax wouldn’t have any effect. I could see the nervous uncertainty in her eyes, so instead, I focused on stroking her with my fingers and studying the subtle changes in her expression to work out what she liked the most.<br /> “Lean into the feeling,” I whispered. “Let it guide you.”<br /> Charlotte’s head fell back, fully lying back on the desk, and I covered her with the shadow of my body. She was mine and mine alone to admire. I teased my fingertips gently through her folds, from her cherry down to her hole. My fingers were soaked in seconds, and I could only dream of how wet she would get if we had a proper session together.<br /> Back up to her cherry, I began to tease in a circular motion, changing direction each time Charlotte’s eyes fluttered up at me. Her body tensed like a wave underneath mine, and her thighs quickly closed around my wrist.<br /> “Good?”<br /> “Yes,” she whimpered softly. “Strange . . . It feels strange but good.”<br /> I could remember the first time a woman touched my shaft. Having someone else tease pleasure out of you could be a strange but welcoming sensation, so I kept my strokes slow and controlled.<br /> Charlotte’s thighs relaxed after a beat, and her hips rose up to press into my fingers as I stroked back down her folds. With gentle circles, I started to stroke just outside her entrance while my thumb took over the teasing stimulation of her cherry.<br /> “Talk to me,” I whispered down to her, and those stunning emerald eyes locked onto mine. “Tell me how it feels.”<br /> “It’s . . .” Charlotte stammered, and her eyes fluttered once more. “It’s good. It’s really good.” She was growing breathless, the flush down her body darkening a fraction, and I wanted to bury my face in her ample point just to soak up the heat of her body. I resisted for now. Doing so would interrupt my focus on her private part and her pleasure.<br /> “Tell me what you need.”<br /> “What I need?”<br /> “Do you want me inside you?” I clarified, and I leaned down to gently brush my nose against hers.<br /> It caught her attention, and her eyes focused back on me.<br /> “Yes.” Her nervous admittance was followed by my sinking my two soaked fingers into her private part and pressing my thumb down hard against her cherry.<br /> Charlotte yelped, then removed one hand from my shirt to slap it over her mouth. Her eyes were wide and her rosy cheeks shone.<br /> I began to pump my fingers in and out of her, all the while ensuring that my thumb relentlessly<br /> teased her cherry. Hard strokes of the pad, flicks of my nail, and constant friction went hand in hand with the flick of my wrist thrusting my fingers inside her.<br /> Charlotte’s entire body reacted, rolling like a wave across my desk, and once again, her thighs closed around my hand. That didn’t stop me, though, and I increased the pace of my fingers as her slick juices ran down my hand.<br /> “Oh,” Charlotte whined behind her fingers, a muffled sound that I didn’t mind right now. If we were at home, I’d make her scream.<br /> Charlotte gasped and writhed, then suddenly, she went completely still and her private part clamped down around my fingers like a hot vise. The sweetest voice suddenly spilled from her throat, and her eyes screwed closed, then the walls of her private part rippled firmly around my fingers.<br /> She came? That was fast.<br /> “Good girl,” I praised, and Charlotte whined. “Sorry, should I say bad girl?”<br /> Charlotte shook her head back and forth on the desk as I continued to pump my fingers and aid her through her climax. By the time she relaxed, panting, my hand was soaked but I was satisfied.<br /> And it wasn’t over.<br /> “My turn.” I pulled my hand free of her thighs and rounded and dropped into my seat behind my desk. Watching her, touching her, and feeling her against me had built up my arousal so quickly that my shaft was aching in my pants and I wasn’t about to go untouched.<br /> “I . . .” Charlotte gasped, then she very slowly sat up. “That was . . .”<br /> “On your knees, Charlotte,” I instructed a little sharper. “Don’t keep me waiting.”<br /> She turned to look at me over her shoulder, and her eyes were wide, slightly glazed from the pleasure still lingering in her body. I half expected her to refuse, but to my utter awe, Charlotte slid from the desk and settled her beautiful, curvaceous body right between my spread legs.<br /> “I–I’ve never—”<br /> “Just follow my instructions,” I interrupted her. “And trust me.”<br /> Charlotte nodded.<br /> I unzipped my pants and wriggled down the cotton of my boxers to free my aching shaft. Her eyes went wide the moment it sprang free, and her pink tongue darted out to swipe at her lower lip.<br /> “Open your mouth and relax your throat like you’re about to hum. Breathe when you can, not when you want to,” I instructed. “I’m going to drill your throat the way it deserves to be drilled, understand?”<br /> Charlotte glanced up at me, the green almost gone from her eyes with how wide her pupils had blown from desire.<br /> “Yes,” she whispered.<br /> The way she settled on her haunches and parted her lips was like something out of my sinful dreams. She opened her mouth wide and sat there, obediently waiting.<br /> I couldn’t resist. Her inexperience meant nothing in the wake of my desire to take her.<br /> Both hands curled into her soft blond curls, and I guided her forward, giving her a few moments to adjust to the feel of a shaft sliding past her lips. I guided her forward a couple of inches and watched as her eyes slightly lost focus, likely processing the thick weight of my shaft on her tongue.<br /> “Relax.” My last instruction to her, then I thrust forward and shoved another few inches of my shaft into her waiting mouth. She choked immediately, a raw, wet sound that sent a pulse of pleasure straight through my gut as I groaned loudly. Then I began to drill her mouth in earnest. Caution for her inexperience was the only thing stopping me from thrusting all the way deep and burying myself in her throat. I used my grip on her hair like reins and pulled her forward each time my hips rose up from the<br /> chair, drilling her mouth hard and fast.<br /> “what a treat it would be to have you under my desk every day. To feel the warmth of your mouth on my shaft every single morning, to drill your throat between classes and pump you so full of release you’re swollen by the end of the day.”<br /> A choked-off voice rose up from Charlotte, and her tongue pressed up against the underside of my shaft. If she was trying to talk, her words were lost in my barrage of thrusts. My core tightened, and heat began to swell in my gut as my climax rapidly approached. I couldn’t hold back, not after getting to admire Charlotte and feel her first climax around my fingers. My thrusts became more erratic, and I had no warning to give Charlotte when I suddenly pulled her all the way forward and buried my shaft deep into her throat.<br /> Charlotte choked sharply, and I came with a loud cry.<br /> Pulse after pulse of release poured down her throat as she struggled slightly against me. Her fingernails dug into the meat of my thigh, but she didn’t try to push herself away. She stayed there, obedient in my hold. I held her flush against me for a few long seconds as I rode out the initial waves of my climax, then I released her and sagged back into my chair.<br /> Charlotte coughing and choking slightly as she worked to swallow what release had escaped into her mouth. Her chest heaved, her chest swaying slightly, and for the first time in a long time, I was satisfied.<br /> I had taken control. I had made this happen. I had satisfied us both.<br /> “YOU SHOULD GO BACK to your old clothes,” I said gently as Charlotte buckled herself back into her jeans. She looked at me through the curtain of hair that had fallen over her left shoulder.<br /> “Really?”<br /> “You’re beautiful, but you’re stunning when you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing. The Charlotte from last week was definitely more confident than the Charlotte with me now.”<br /> “The Charlotte last week wouldn’t have done what I’d just done,” she replied quietly. Clothes sorted, Charlotte swept her hair back from her face and fixed me with an uncertain look, although the pleased glint in her eye was unmistakable.<br /> “That is true,” I agreed, “but just think about it. Confidence comes from within and enhances beauty. Remember that.”<br /> She leaned down to grab her bag, and I quietly admired the swell of her hip. Every ample curve she had was just begging for me to sink my teeth into her, and boy, was I hooked.<br /> “So . . .” Charlotte clutched at her bag strap much like she had done at the end of class.<br /> “So?” I quirked a brow. If nothing else, getting Charlotte to speak concisely would be a goal regardless of drill.<br /> “What does this mean?”<br /> “What does what mean?”<br /> “Me and you. If there is a . . . I mean . . .” Charlotte trailed off, and a dusting of pink flushed over her cheeks.<br /> I turned on my spot against the desk and reached for a scrap of paper where I quickly scribbled down my address. Turning back, I handed it to her.<br /> “If you want to know more, if you want to do more, then come and see me here.” I gave the paper<br /> a slight shake.<br /> “Do more?” Charlotte stepped forward and cautiously took the paper.<br /> “If you come there, then it means you want me to play with you. Really play with you. If not, then as soon as you walk out that door, we will act like this was nothing more than a single moment to treasure until the end of days. It’s your choice.”<br /> “Okay.” Charlotte’s head ducked as she studied the paper, then she flashed me a smile and slowly walked away.<br /> The decision was entirely hers, but a small pull of yearning rose in my heart. Now that I’d had a taste of her, I couldn’t help but desperately want more.	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1,778,290	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778298}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:36	active	760	1388006051857963	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	1,095,155,911,769,566	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Webfic-love	120209576361610382	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/t39.35426-6/440357308_918264286766627_6679453067728394151_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OHpcmae6o3AQ7kNvgFm02aC&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDgtzfNaU_r1CBp2DjmIiu0Cq3iMI4-woBvTxYgTCU5EA&oe=6641CEF4	person_profile	Webfic-love	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441263825_422074933872715_6067152149226441052_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HrDBsV1wlAgQ7kNvgHvNtIV&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDpMwPh1aWN64x9eK0KBjTeujCDWhnppZbPipwbMI-vBA&oe=6641F162	3	Webfic-love	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,455	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-08 18:38	active	760	825222729456870	Ditch Gabapentin! Click to learn how.	Why Folks With Neuropathy Are Ditching Gabapentin and Other Medications for This Safe & Affordable Pain Relief Treatment<br /> <br /> Whether your neuropathy is diabetic, chemo-induced, autoimmune, or idiopathic… tingling neuropathy can wreak havoc on your life.<br /> <br /> It’s important to do something now before it’s too late…<br /> <br /> We utilize breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot. <br /> <br /> Experience the only non-pharmaceutical neuropathy treatment that’s both effective and FDA approved. It’s specifically designed to quickly alleviate the discomfort of burning and tingling sensations, transforming your life into one of comfort and mobility.<br /> <br /> 🌱 Our approach not only eases your pain but also targets the root cause of neuropathy. Say goodbye to temporary fixes and hello to lasting relief.<br /> <br /> What’s Included:<br /> <br /> ✅ Neuropathy Consult<br /> ✅ Thermography<br /> ✅ Treatment Roadmap<br /> <br /> 🎉 Start living with newfound energy and freedom. No more restless nights or days overshadowed by foot pain.<br /> <br /> ⬇️ Click Learn More<br /> <br /> Your path to a pain-free life is just a click away. Let’s make neuropathy a thing of the past.	LEARN_MORE	https://southjordan.reliefdiscovery.com/neuropathy	110844744844818	Integrated Pain Specialists	https://facebook.com/integratedpainspecialistsutah	212	1	738,797,568,362,172	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Integrated Pain Specialists	6561514137454	southjordan.reliefdiscovery.com	NONE	video		https://southjordan.reliefdiscovery.com/neuropathy	2024-05-01 09:26	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440114199_339024102530009_5975134594711253468_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Jf_XTzz5sukQ7kNvgEqLaxO&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDe6X-kERXsxyGQIU2AvqJ-JXA9-d8J66ei7j3M3xF46g&oe=6641E4B0	person_profile	Integrated Pain Specialists	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439899963_975501804142494_9183951452737638200_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ImlRSmBfpBQQ7kNvgFNZAtN&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAhfV7DZO0Z9KVURychCsV6SL0feQv4UJyZXYCXmXEwSQ&oe=6641E5DE	3	Integrated Pain Specialists	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,778,249	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778251}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:36	active	760	989555095937235	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband had been having an affair with his assistant. I could hear the sounds of moans pouring from our bedroom before I opened the door.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them having intercourse from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. <br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice.Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec."<br /> ————————<br /> Vivian<br /> I took a deep breath compose myself as the my introduction to the crowd began. My heart felt as if it was in my throat right now. It felt like the weight of the world was centered on my shoulders.<br /> If I was successful, not only would it launch my modeling career at age 28, but I would increase funding for this campaign.<br /> Since majority of the crowd outside of these curtains did not have my skin tone, I had to impress them.<br /> Today is the beginning of a campaign launching models with brown skin into the dominantly pale skinned model industry. I will be the face of the campaign and in order to be successful, I must make these rich people want to fund this campaign.<br /> And I will succeed.<br /> There has never been a fashion show like this, where I haven't had my hair straightened, my make up has not been contoured on my face to match those around me, and I am not walking fiercely down the walkway as if I'm walking on fire.<br /> I had always been confident in myself as a black woman yet I still found myself getting stage fright before my shows. Even more so with the bold campaign I was now launching.<br /> And after many failed seductive attempts with my husband lately, I wasn't sure if I could seduce the crowd before me.<br /> Instead I am to walk slowly, very seductively. My natural kinky curls framed my face, I have little to no make up on so that I appear soft as I am, completely naturally.<br /> The curtains are pulled back and as I began my walk down the aisle, it is not hard at all to seduce the crowd.<br /> I capture everybody's attention and when I pass them, the from the corner of my eye, I can see the effect I have on them and I couldn't help how it boosted my confidence.<br /> My walk is so natural and graceful that I practically glide down the run way. The bronze light is soft and makes my brown skin glow in the dark like highlight. The sway of my hips is mesmerizing to the crowd, so I pause and I turn slowly looking at all the faces to give them my best seductive smile.<br /> Many have lost their composure, becoming flustered by my attention. I hold my smirk, this is my crowd now.<br /> I almost falter when I see that my husband is not among the crowd. Once upon a time, he was always the first face that I graced with my smiles. He had never missed one of my shows in the beginning, looking up at me just as entranced as the rest of the crowd.<br /> I can feel my eyes watering so I quickly look away from them and continue making my way down the runway.<br /> When I finish with the crowd, I walk back up the runway and into the darkness hiding me from the crowd as they all cheer. In the darkness I hold my face, I can't help the excitement that overcomes me. I did it!<br /> My husband had promised to be here today. If he wasn't behind stage with the rest of my crew then I didn't know what this would mean for our marriage. I could worry about all that tomorrow though.<br /> Tonight, I fuccccckkking owned that crowd and I was sure going to celebrate my success on my birthday.<br /> I let out the breath that I had been holding and recompose myself then I walk behind stage to the small group gathered for me. I grin victoriously, strutting up to them saucily.<br /> "You did it, Vi! They all looked like they wanted to eat you up." My best friend and manager Naomi screams running up to me to hug me while all my co-workers clap and shout congrats. "How about some birthday cake before the next show?"<br /> I give Naomi the biggest hug and nod.<br /> "What's wrong girl?" She asks noticing something is wrong right away.<br /> I want to be happy but I have this really terrible feeling in my chest. I hug her back trying not to smile awkwardly as I ask her if my husband Richard made an appearance tonight.<br /> "No, I didn't see him? Was he supposed to be here?" She asked.<br /> "Yes." I replied. I could see the look of pity on her face as she shook her head, it had been about 4 years since he had been to one of my modeling gigs. And what type of message did that send? He was my husband and should've been here to support me.<br /> Part of me isn't really surprised, I knew when I refused to quit modeling and depend fully on Richard financially that our marriage would change.<br /> But this job is what helped get his business up and running when we graduated college with no immediate careers in sight. So I decided to keep modeling even after Richard became financially stable, despite it not being anything closely related to what I'd majored in.<br /> Naomi attempts to cheer me up with the double chocolate layer cake she baked me for my birthday and I grin at her trying my best not to let my intuition eat away at my happiness, nobody wanted an unhappy campaign model right?<br /> I finally manage to escape Naomi and her devil addicting double chocolate cake, making my way out front to the crowd to make my appearances and answer questions for those who had attended the opening show before the next show started.<br /> Afterwards when it was time for the second show, I made my way backstage to my booth to check my phone for any messages from Richard. He was a very successful business man that had recently become the owner of the company he had worked for, thanks to me, why shouldn't he take days off to support my career? Why else was his secretary always around for then?<br /> The bad feeling in my chest only increase at that point, and I recognized it as my intuition. Something was up and I was so angry that I seemed like the only one who wanted our marriage so I was gonna confront Richard about it. After not locating my phone, I realized that I had left my phone at home and since this was the second show I could afford to leave. I was only required to show my face at the after party that started in 6 hours and I would be back by then.<br /> I grabbed my bag and dipped before anyone noticed, sneaking another slice of Naomi's cake as I went.<br /> When I finally made it home I sat in the car for a moment smashing on the piece of cake because Richard hated when I ate sweets. It was my birthday, I deserved to smash my face in it!<br /> When I finished, I walked into the house instantly noticing the clothing littered the floor. There were female clothing scattered among the trail that led upstairs. A sickening feeling overcame me at that moment but I forced the cake that had suddenly came up back down, following the trail of clothing up the stairs to my bedroom door slowly, quietly.<br /> I could hear the sounds of moans and groans pouring from our bedroom.<br /> My husband had grown bold, it seemed. Obviously he had no respect for me if he passed up one of the most successful campaign launches for my career to bring a bimbo to our house to have an affair.<br /> I almost turned to leave, wanting to just walk away with my heart partially intact but I knew I had to see this. I tried to mentally prepare myself for this. I wanted to know who the bimbo was.<br /> To bring a woman to our home and have intercourse with her in our bed on my birthday? He was so disrespectful and just asking to be caught. As I stepped closer to the door, I could hear her telling him how much she loved him through the door.<br /> He responded, telling her that he loved her too. I closed my eyes counting to ten and gathering what remained of my resolve.<br /> I can do this, I thought. I must see this.<br /> I forced myself to open the door, my eyes widening as I saw them in the act up close and personal.<br /> I realized that he had been having an affair with his assistant, Emily. The sad part is that this did not appear to be just a regular experience. They were making love and the familiarity of it told me that it had been happening for quite a while. I couldn't have prepared myself for the pain that I felt slicing through my heart in a thousand years.<br /> My soul was in agony, this was not something that the mind couldn't rationalize for the sake of saving my heart from breaking into pieces. It had been in my face all along and I had been blind to it because we had started attending marriage counseling together. What a joke the marriage counselling must have been to both of them.<br /> My marriage was over. And that one thought kept repeating inside my head like a broken record.<br /> It's over.<br /> I dropped my bag at the door, turning to run away from the sight of them. I couldn't take the pain of watching them anymore. My marriage to Richard had meant everything to me, we had been married 10 years.<br /> I managed to hold my sobs as I ran outside of my home, past my car, and down the streets of our beautiful neighborhood. I just let myself run freely, trying to run myself to exertion to exchange the pain from my heart to the pain in my legs. My silk dress had ripped all up my thighs exposing my lace panties, too delicate for the strain that my pumping legs made. I did not care at all, not pausing to cover myself or look if anybody was looking at me.<br /> When I finally stopped to catch my breath and look around I was just at the local park 10 minutes away from my home. I finally let my sobs out, breaking down completely as I saw that the park was empty.<br /> Richard had been my high-school best friend turned sweetheart after prom, when I gave him my first time. I had always loved him, just fell in love our senior year. I had wanted to have children with him and grow old with him, I did everything right to keep him happy. I had never looked back and regretted anything until now. I knew that we were never supposed to be more than friends but I still married him after high-school because he had been the only guy I wanted to be with.<br /> Richard had cheated once before in college but that was just a one time at a party. He hadn't came back to our dorm that night and that next morning, I had just knew. I forgave him since we were still basically kids in college, told him he was still who I wanted and that I wouldn't dream of sleeping with another man. But still once a cheater, always a cheater.<br /> He destroyed me..<br /> Everything else I could deal with. Marriage was about forgiveness and making sacrifices, right?But sharing intimacy with another? That was the worst type of betrayal. I couldn't stay with him after this. I couldn't forgive him for this, but I was too weak to walk away. Love didn't just fade away, the hurt was still there stabbing me in my chest. I wanted him to hurt, I knew that he loved me. I was the real mastermind behind his company. He couldn't afford to lose me.<br /> But I had nothing left to give. I had put everything including my soul into my marriage, only for it to shatter before my eyes. I couldn't stand another thought of being on this Earth without him after this, either.<br /> He was my only best friend after all.<br /> How would I end it?<br /> My LIFE.<br /> How would I commit suicide?<br /> Pills? Hanging? Knife? Bridge?<br /> I could have a peaceful death. I would drown myself, let the water end the anguish that brewed inside my heart. And when they found my body, he would know.<br /> He did this. He lost me, forever.<br /> ---<br /> Vivian<br /> Silence makes many people very uncomfortable. It's non existence is deafening, it can be insistent and unable to escape. People cannot stand the thought of being alone in silence. People crave interaction with people, they crave attention.<br /> I, however, craved intimacy. And I was not just talking about intercourse.<br /> Intimacy wasn't about who could touch my body, it was about who could touch my soul.<br /> Intimacy was the purest form of connection, something I lacked in my marriage.<br /> Now I wished that I could capture that silence for myself. I wanted to bottle that silence, preserve it just for me so that I could release it every time my thoughts overwhelmed my head.<br /> I studied the ripples that my legs made in the pond.<br /> Beautiful, I thought, tilting my head up to look up into the dark sky. I closed my eyes, if I waited any longer I would lose my nerve. I sucked in my breath, desperately trying to taste the sweetness of summer one last time but it was too late. I tasted bitterness on my tongue and I felt it engulfing me, tainting the taste that I had wanted to savor. I gasped, inhaling fresh air, despair filled me at the thought that I would leave this world with my soul not at peace. I forced myself to believe that I could taste the final sweet taste of summer and it subdued my mind as I gently stretched my legs side to side before sliding into the water allowing the water to close over my face without panicking.<br /> The water was colder as I floated underneath it. My dress seems tighter, constricting my gentle movements so I removed it, ripping it off my body before I really started to panic.<br /> Peaceful. Peaceful. Peaceful. I chanted inside my head, all I wanted was to die peacefully. Something inside me won't allow that though, something rebels. I am rebelling.<br /> I've never been a coward, why should I start now?<br /> Because it hurts...<br /> Suddenly loud ringing starts in my ears and I gasp stupidly, releasing the the little air that I had been holding onto. The water has changed, becoming insistent and dragging me down. The fear consumes me, I am really terrified to die. What happened to dying peacefully?<br /> Just fight for your life. My conscience screams.<br /> I desperately fling my arms back and forth, pumping my legs to swim to the surface of the water. I swim until I can see a glimmer of light in the dark water, the surface was just there but my body is weaker now. I can barely move because I've driven my body to exertion.<br /> I am just about to reach the surface when my breath finally gives out and I am forced to swallow the water.<br /> I've tempted Satan with my soul, now he is going to make me drown.<br /> You were almost there, I couldn't help thinking as I began to jerk uncontrollably, the water inducing spasms of my larynx. Within 30 seconds, the laryngospasms begin to weaken and I'm losing consciousness. My life begins flashing before my eyes and as my brain skims through my wonderful childhood, it isn't long before I see Richard. He was my first best friend. My first love. My first everything and my life with him flashed.<br /> Realizing that I loved him. Marrying him after high school graduation. The discovery of his infidelity in college. Choosing to stay and work through our problems. Graduating college with honors with him at my side. Pursuing a modeling career to help support us while he became stable. Then finally coming home tonight to discover that that infidelity had never ceased.<br /> The pain of knowing that 10 years of my life had been wasted in a one-sided loveless marriage with a cheating prick did not hit me as hard as earlier. The pain was just gone, I had not loss much with Richard... only time.<br /> Then my flashes stop and I see what could be, my life starting anew. Dating, a faithful relationship with the man of my dreams, having children in my little farm house. I want it so bad but it is just out of my grasp. The water is pulling me down, refusing to allow me to float just under the waterline anyone. I am sinking like a stone.<br /> I know that brain failure is imminent but I also know that there is one last chance to survive.<br /> My body forces me to inhale again and with that force, I propel myself upwards. I finally break the surface of the water, spitting up all that awful tasting water that I had pretended tasted so sweet. I climb out of the pond, looking down at the misleading peaceful looking waves.<br /> I ripped off the remainder of my underwear hating the feeling of wet clothing on my skin, decidi<br /> ng right then and there that I would never step foot in any large body of water ever again. I start my walk back to my home.<br /> When I opened the door to the house and made my way pass the clothing, I smiled a very dark smile.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them making love from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> And now I would not go silently.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. They were making love, it was no question.<br /> The door smacked the wall hard alerting them that I was here. Emily's shocked gasp filled the air.<br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice." I commented before making my way to my walk in closet. "Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec." I grabbed a dress for the after party that I was now late for and made my way to the bathroom humming happily.<br /> At the angle that I took the pictures, the affair was unmistakable. I smiled at them again when I passed. Emily now scrambled to grab the covers that they had kicked on the floor. I chuckled, I had already saw everything she had to offer, with the comforter out of her reach she was now using Richard to shield her and neither of them would make eye contact with me.<br /> "At least own up to what y'all were doing, be adults about it. I'm not mad." I said.<br /> "Vivian, I can-" Richard began to try to make that dumb hip excuse, with that dumb hip look on his face pissing me off. The nasal sound of his voice was pissing me off. Everything about him was pissing me off. What did I ever see in him? Love sure blinded the outta me if I was just noticing this now.<br /> "Explain? No need to Richard, I see you both right now. Again, continue if you wish, I'll be on my way in a minute." I said, shutting the bathroom door and showering.<br /> I thanked fate for allowing me to leave my phone home in order to discover the affair. I took my sweet time, going all out with my routine and appreciating the warm water after I had been floating in that cold hip water for close to 3 hours. I even started to sing, ignoring Richard when he knocked on the door calling my name.<br /> After I got done I continued ignoring him while I dried, lathered myself with oils, and did my hair. my time was all my own again. My days of answering to him were over.<br /> "Freedom," I sang, opening the door and pushing past him. "Why were you undressed? What do you mean you're not mad?" He was frowning at the dress that I had on. "Where are you going Vivian?" He asked.<br /> "Not today, Richard." I said, ignoring his question. Both of them were now dressed and she sat on the perfectly made as if the affair had never happened.<br /> "Vivian, I would like to apologize," She began as we made eye- contact. I could almost respect her, but she was the worst type of person. They both were. <br /> "How long?" I asked her.<br /> "About-" She began.<br /> "Emily shut it, Vivian its not what you think. We-"<br /> "Save it, Richard. I was speaking to Emily, woman to woman. Now, how long?" I said looking at her. I saw his disbelief that I had just cut him off. I had never did it before but then again, I had never disrespected him by cheating or even entertaining the thought either.<br /> "About 4 years." Longer than I thought initially, but now that I thought back he had stopped attending my shows around that time.<br /> "Wow, I hope you both have a good night. <br /> I'm out." From the corner of my eye I notice Richard eyeing me. I turned getting him a 360 view of my dress and his face turned red. "Where are you going, Vivian?" He said it possessively.<br /> "To have passionate intercourse with a random stranger, Richard." I could feel a hysterical laugh building inside me but I manage to hold in in, smiling instead. "Its only fair that I make up for all the intercourse I've been missing out on due to your negligence. Enjoy your secretary, husband. When we're divorced, feel free to marry her because when I'm done with you, nobody will come near either of you again." I said, leaving them dumbfounded.<br /> I made a show of bending to grab my purse at the doorway, turning back to smile seductively at Richard.<br /> I giggled, standing and holding my head high as I walked out of the house to my car. I had never been insecure of my body but since Richard treated me as if I'd been invincible, and not from a lack of trying on my part, for the past two years I had been questioning myself. I mean slowly losing my self confidence as the significant other.<br /> Never again... Near death experiences had a way of making you see what really mattered.<br /> My happiness.<br /> Call me selfish or whatever. I have missed out and tonight I was going to make up for it.<br /> Nothing could make me stay to work things out at this point, I was divorcing him. With the proof I had, I would destroy him then take everything that he had. I wasn't walking away from this 10- year investment empty handed.<br /> Once, he told me that he would give me the world.<br /> But I could settle with his bank account.	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1,778,562	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778569}'	No	2024-05-08 18:39	active	760	1881807022270328	End the Tingling and Burning	🔥 Struggling with neuropathic foot pain, and stiff and sore joints? <br /> <br /> Whether your neuropathy is diabetic, chemo-induced, autoimmune, or idiopathic… tingling neuropathy can wreak havoc on your life.<br /> <br /> It’s important to do something now before it’s too late…<br /> <br /> 🌟 Embrace Freedom in 2024: FDA-Approved, Non-pharmaceutical Neuropathy Treatment in Sioux Falls 🌟<br /> <br /> Dynamic Spine and Neuropathy uses breakthrough technology that offers relief from neuropathic foot pain, stiffness, and swelling almost instantly by promoting blood circulation and healing the damaged tissue in your foot. <br /> <br /> Experience the only non-pharmaceutical neuropathy treatment that’s both effective and FDA approved. It’s specifically designed to quickly alleviate the discomfort of burning and tingling sensations, transforming your life into one of comfort and mobility.<br /> <br /> 🌱 Our approach not only eases your pain but also targets the root cause of neuropathy. Say goodbye to temporary fixes and hello to lasting relief.<br /> <br /> What’s Included:<br /> <br /> ✅ Initial Evaluation & Neuropathy Severity Report<br /> ✅ Stimulates blood flow<br /> ✅ Naturally promotes nerve regeneration process (no harsh medication)<br /> <br /> ⬇️ Click Learn More<br /> <br /> Your path to a pain-free life is just a click away. Let’s make neuropathy a thing of the past.	LEARN_MORE	https://www.dynamicsiouxfalls.com/neuropathy	1251175424941279	Dynamic Spine & Neuropathy	https://facebook.com/Dynamicspinechiropractic	1,905	1	358,924,630,488,596	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Dynamic Spine & Neuropathy	6620056261323	dynamicsiouxfalls.com	NONE	image	Step into a Neuropathy-Free Life	https://www.dynamicsiouxfalls.com/neuropathy	2024-05-08 08:04	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440750380_1152455922835739_6720867552932914176_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rQgxrn0PvvgQ7kNvgH3Rua2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBzLGRNPLfAkvJieqckfWpdNhPTyyziE-okzDfQucvSaw&oe=6641E2A6	person_profile	Dynamic Spine Chiropractic - S	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440744979_2682111575289605_5224085960863584250_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Ki7CpKGUFz8Q7kNvgFQiWUj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCLBNE3TQ0oqKNbEde08QLKLHrV-0ZRYbvfr-JBpz_jRw&oe=6641DF35	3	Dynamic Spine & Neuropathy	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,292	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778204}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	1397032305031382	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	After my boyfriend broke up with me because he found his mate, my father told me a shocking fact.<br /> "Dante Pelosi. The Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack."<br /> Mate!<br /> I flinch in recognition, an eerie feeling of hope filling me. Conflicting with the sense of rejection, it's too much. <br /> How can my wolf be so happy when I feel like complete mass right now?<br /> "That was-- the Alpha?" I whisper.<br /> "Your mate," Dad states, getting to his feet abruptly.<br /> "What--" I huff, pushing the breakfast tray aside.<br /> "You heard me, Alanna. I saw the look in your eyes when you saw him from the truck. Your eyes were glowing...and so were his. That only happens when you first set eyes on your mate."<br /> Dad towers over the bed once more, arms crossed over his chest as I watch me with a knowing smile.<br /> "That's impossible!" I insist, avoiding eye contact.<br /> "No, it isn't. And you're blushing."<br /> "Well, we've been invited to his house. He wants to meet you face to face."<br /> ————————<br /> Alanna's POV<br /> I've been waiting for this night for as long as I can remember. Tonight, the packs will finally know about Kurt and I.<br /> "Aly, we have to leave soon. Kurt said he'll pick you up at eight." Ryan, my older brother repeats in exasperation.<br /> I'm too busy attacking my auburn locks with a flat iron, wondering if my navy dress is formal enough for this evening. I wouldn't want Kurt to think I'm underdressed, especially since he's deciding to make such an important announcement at such a prestigious event.<br /> It's the annual Moonlight Gala, the one night where all twelve werewolf packs in the country are reunited. Whether we like it or not, all of us must get along and the Moonlight Gala is an attempt to encourage social relations between each pack. Only high ranking pack members are allowed to attend, which is why this is such a big deal for me.<br /> Kurt and I are not mates. We've been dating for over a year and we couldn't be happier.<br /> Despite his position as Alpha, Kurt has the same beliefs as me - mates are a myth, they don't exist. By taking me as his 'plus one' to the Moonlight Gala, he's making a statement. I'm the girl he wants to be with and no supposed soulmate can change that. I am his soulmate.<br /> "I think you're making a big mistake, Aly." Reese, my other brother chips in.<br /> I continue to feign ignorance, pausing to glance briefly at my twin brothers who are both staring back in concern, their identical faces showing disapproval. As senior pack fighters, Ryan and Reese are on good terms with Kurt. However, they can't stop him from seeing me. I know they're starting to dislike Kurt due to his audacity by dating me so openly.<br /> "This is my life, guys. My choice. My decision." I hate being so stuck up with my brothers. The three of us are inseparable and any spats between us are usually light hearted.<br /> "Aly, one day ... Kurt will find his mate. He's an Alpha. Do you really think he'll ditch the future Luna of this pack for a teenage romance?" Ryan refuses to give up, his tanned features turning red.<br /> I slam the flat irons down on the dresser, refusing to take the bait. They'll never understand what Kurt and I share. No-one will. I walk past their towering frames, slipping on my black stilettos.<br /> "If it were up to us, we'd put a stop to this. Dad would put a stop to this." Reese adds, scratching his shaven chin.<br /> That's when I cave in, huffing indignantly.<br /> "Well he can't. None of you can!" I snap, losing what little composure I have.<br /> Ryan and Reese blink in surprise, slightly hurt by my temperamental reaction. I'm never like this, I'm usually so calm, this whole situation has been throwing me off for the past few months. Instantly, I regret losing temper. They're only looking out for me.<br /> "Dad is Kurt's Beta." I whisper calmly, smoothing my hair down. "Therefore he can't question Kurt's actions. He can't stop us from being together, so he'll just have to deal with it."<br /> We're interrupted by a brisk knock on my bedroom door. My father pokes his head around the corner, the signature frown present on his broad face.<br /> "Alanna, Kurt is here. Don't keep the Alpha waiting." His disapproving eyes scan my appearance, frown growing harsher.<br /> "I'm ready." I nod, reaching for my clutch purse.<br /> There's nothing else left to say and to avoid another argument, it's easier to leave without another word. Dad steps aside, ready to let me pass.<br /> "Think about what you're doing, Alanna." He states, grabbing my elbow firmly. "This will end badly and you'll be the one with the tainted reputation."<br /> Don't overreact. He's just doing his part as the concerned parent. We should listen to him.<br /> I ignore my wolf, tuning out her protests. She's waiting for our 'mate' and according to her, Kurt is a waste of time. Even his Alpha status isn't attractive to her and wolves love power and dominance.<br /> "I'll see you guys at the Gala." I mutter tersely, prising my arm out of Dad's grip without looking back.<br /> He reluctantly lets me go with a deep sigh. I leave my family standing in my bedroom in awkward silence as I hurry down the stairs to meet Kurt in the manicured driveway.<br /> He's sat in his sleek sports car, nodding his head to the thumping rap music as he checks his appearance for the hundredth time, spiking up his short, corn blonde hair.<br /> He senses my presence as soon as I close the front door, leaning out of the window with a lazy grin. As I approach the car, he flashes his all-American smile in my direction with a wink of his cerulean eyes.<br /> "Hey babe, you look hot." He calls, as I walk around the car and open the door, slipping inside.<br /> You know what else they call a babe? A pig. So technically, he compared us to a pig.<br /> I hush my wolf silently, wishing she'd give up with the snide comments already. Yes, I know she hates Kurt but he's our Alpha and she has to respect him.<br /> He didn't even bother getting out of the car to open your door.<br /> "You ready, Aly?" Kurt asks lightly, squeezing my knee in affection. He starts the car, reversing out of the driveway and speeding off down the road, ready to make the fifteen minute journey to the manor where the Gala will be held.<br /> "Of course, babe. I'm so glad we're going together." I emphasise the word, trying to annoy my wolf. She responds with a growl, showing her distaste regarding my choice of words.<br /> "Good, I can't wait to show you off to the other Alphas." Kurt waggles his eyebrows playfully, making me giggle. Of course, I don't cackle like I usually do. Instead, I use my girly, reserved tone because I know he hates my real laugh.<br /> Oink oink. Stop acting like a Barbie doll. I love your laugh.<br /> "How come we're leaving without the rest of the pack?" I inquire, wondering why Kurt insisted on picking me up so early. The Gala doesn't start till late.<br /> "As Alpha, I have to turn up a little early. The Gala's being held on our turf this year, so I need to greet all the other packs personally." He grumbles, rolling his eyes as he steps on the accelerator, zooming down the dark country road.<br /> He's not our Alpha. He never will be. He's just a pretender.<br /> Stop making this so difficult! Why can't you just agree with me for once?<br /> I'm just stating what everybody else thinks. This fool will never be the great Alpha his father was.<br /> Michael is gone. Kurt's taken over and he's doing a decent job despite being so young, while having to deal with his father's death. Now stop it.<br /> "I was thinking, we should go away for a while. A vacation." Kurt unknowingly disrupts the mental argument I'm having with my wolf.<br /> "I'd love that." My smile fades instantly. "But I don't think Dad would approve."<br /> "Mike can't object." Kurt insists arrogantly, raising an eyebrow in superiority. "As my Beta, he has to listen to everything I say."<br /> Prick.<br /> --<br /> "I can't keep my hands off you." Kurt whispers in my ear, his breath tickling my skin.<br /> "Well you'll have to. We've got a sea of werewolves watching our every move and my Dad's pacing the halls like a madman every time he looks at us." I murmur back, placing a hand over his larger one.<br /> He tightens his grip on my waist, grabbing a delicate flute of champagne from a waiter. I study my shoes nervously, wondering if I've done the right thing by showing up here.<br /> Every werewolf regarded me with a shocked expression as I stood by Kurt's side, letting him welcome each pair to the event. There are thousands of people present, all hailing from every corner of the country.<br /> Alanna, this is a big mistake. You're ruining your reputation. These people think you're a side chick.<br /> I'm silent, beginning to agree with my wolf for once.<br /> So far, eleven out of the twelve packs have show up. In the process, each Alpha and Luna of their respective packs have silently judged me like I'm some sort of escort. I'm such an idiot, thinking I can parade around here like I'm attached to Kurt's hip. Everyone will disapprove and unsurprisingly, they all do.<br /> Maybe I should leave, I don't think I can take the glares and whispering any longer. Kurt won't be happy but this is a minefield that I'd rather dodge before the damage becomes irreparable.<br /> "Where's the Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack?" I recall the name of the remaining pack who are yet to arrive, looking up at Kurt's face. He pulls a face, snorting derisively.<br /> "You mean that prick, Dante Pelosi? He never turns up, sends his Betas along instead. Must be intimidated by me." Kurt announces loudly, catching the attention of a few people.<br /> "I don't think I've ever met him." I mumble to myself, studiously ignoring the group of girls shaking their heads and pointing in my direction as lean in and gossip.<br /> The tinkering chimes of broken glass makes me jump, as I look around for the source of the noise. Kurt's deep exhale of breath grabs my attention as I peer up at him, taken aback by the dumbstruck look on his face.<br /> It's him who is responsible for the noise, his shattered champagne glass at his feet. Kurt's mouth hangs open, his thunderstruck look refusing to let up.<br /> "Kurt?" I call anxiously.<br /> He doesn't reply, blinking repeatedly as he automatically lets go of me, stepping away.<br /> "Kurt?!" I repeat, trying to follow his line of vision. What's gotten him in such a state?<br /> "Mate." He grunts, his cerulean eyes shimmering brightly.<br /> I can feel my heart pounding, as if fissures are already starting to emerge with each palpitation. This can't be happening. This was meant to be our chance to declare our love. How can this be happening to me? Kurt loves me, he already said he doesn't want his mate.<br /> "Mine." Kurt breathes, moving further away from me and stepping forward.<br /> "Mine." A girlish voice repeats, echoing faintly through the palatial banquet hall.<br /> I gasp uncontrollably, my body shaking as I watch a petite woman step out of the throngs of people, approaching Kurt with a similar, glassy eyed look. They stop in front of each other as if they're long lost lovers, finally reunited.<br /> Aly, we need to leave. Don't put yourself through this.<br /> Kurt pulls the pretty girl towards him, planting a passionate peck on her lips. She melts into his touch, responding with equal ferocity. They continue to eat each other's faces and I'm frozen to the spot, unable to look away as I watch the love of my life smooch another woman.<br /> Tears are running silently down my face as I shudder from the silent sobs emitting from my body. I'm aware that every pair of eyes are trained on me, watching my reaction to this public embarrassment I'm facing. Whispers fill the hall, growing louder and louder until the room is positively buzzing.<br /> "Aly, come on. We're leaving." Ryan's angry voice whispers.<br /> My brothers appear out of nowhere, each of them flanking my side protectively. I still can't move, unable to tear my eyes away from Kurt while he continues to smooch us newly found mate. I think I'm going to be sick, bile and humiliation rising in my throat.<br /> Reese and Ryan pull me way from the heartbreaking scene, forcing my attention to the crowd of stunned onlookers.<br /> "What are you looking at?!" Reese spits at some stranger, causing some of the chatter to fade.<br /> I'm quickly escorted out of the building, Ryan pausing to lift me into his arms as I stagger dangerously on my heels. My sobs grow louder and my wolf is solemnly silent, letting me grieve. I bury my face into Ryan's shoulder, sniffling. They were right, everyone was right.<br /> "Let's go home." Reese mutters, a faint jangle of car keys accompanying his rapid footsteps.<br /> Somehow, we make it to the busy parking lot, ignoring the curious valets. I look over Ryan's shoulder, glancing back at the retreating lights of the impressive manor. Somewhere inside, Kurt is fawning over his mate while I'm left to pick up the pieces. The very thought is enough to set me off again.<br /> "Come on Aly, he's not worth it." Ryan whispers sadly, hugging me tighter.<br /> We make it to the Reese's monster truck and Ryan flings the door open settling me in the back seat and following suit. Reese jumps into the front, starting up his beloved truck with its familiar roars.<br /> I'm leaning against Ryan, letting my brother pat my back in comfort. He says nothing more, a pained expression marring his face. I know Reese must look the same, although I can't see him. His hands grip the steering wheel tightly, back stiff with anger.<br /> "Alanna?" Dad's muffled voice calls in concern.<br /> Wiping my nose, I look out of the large window to find Dad approaching the truck, accompanied by a tall figure. The sidelights of the truck illuminate their profiles and I find my father looking unsettled and flustered for first time ever.<br /> "He found his mate!" Reese roars in disgust, thrusting a thumb back in the direction of the manor, for Dad's benefit.<br /> Dad closes his eyes in expectance, nodding as if he was waiting for this to happen.<br /> "Take your sister home. I'll be back soon."<br /> Without another word, he looks back at the anonymous figure still shrouded in darkness behind him.<br /> It can't be ...<br /> My wolf is restless, yipping in excitement and making a fuss. It's wreaking havoc on my emotions, my wolf seemingly giddy with elation while I try to deal with my fresh heartbreak.<br /> The mysterious figure steps forward, finally revealing themselves.<br /> My soft sobs are halted immediately, mouth going dry. My eyes widen in shock as a delicious feeling of warmth invades my body, stretching from the crown of my head to the tips of my toes.<br /> Staring back at me stands a breathtakingly gorgeous man, golden eyes gleaming wickedly in the artificial light. His strong, ethereal features are marred with shock as he's rooted to the spot, his tousled dark brown hair ruffling gently in the breeze.<br /> I gasp at the funny sensations taking over me and I feel like jumping out of the truck and throwing myself at him. His broad, imposing body is tense, unmoving as he portrays every emotion I'm feeling.<br /> Reese begins to move the car, cruising slowly past this delectable man. I lock eyes with him properly, every ounce of air being knocked out of me.<br /> "Mine." I hear a deep, sensual voice float towards me.<br /> Reese floors it, forcing the large truck forward and leaving the elusive man behind.<br /> "Wait--" I protest.<br /> Ryan looks down at me in confusion as I crane my neck back, trying to catch one last glimpse of this gorgeous stranger.<br /> I spot his substantial figure, imposing and immovable. Darkness makes it difficult to see and he fades into distance as Reese continues to zoom away and out of the manor grounds, leaving everything behind.<br /> Mate!<br /> My wolf howls with longing, trying to take over my body and force me to shift, in an attempt to get back to the manor, back to the handsome stranger. I grab the seat in protest, remembering Kurt. The manor is the last place I should be right now.<br /> My conflicted state just makes things worse and I feel physically sick, huddling against Ryan for some sort of solace.<br /> "Alanna. Starving yourself won't change things."<br /> I huddle further underneath the covers, letting the darkness enclose me. I've been keeping a low profile these past few days, sticking to the solace of my bed.<br /> I hear Dad sigh in exasperation, the clinking of cutlery sounding out as he sets down whatever food he has. Just when I think he's given up, my snug covers are cruelly torn away from me.<br /> "Dad!" I mumble, curling up into a ball. "I'm not hungry. Please, just give me my covers back."<br /> I open an eye reluctantly, watching my Dad tower over my bed with a disapproving look. He says nothing, launching the bed covers out of the open window.<br /> "Leave me alone!" I yell, burying my face into the pillows.<br /> "No." He replies firmly.<br /> I feel the bed sink down a couple of inches, Dad deciding to take a seat near me. Clearing his throat awkwardly, I know I'm in for an uncomfortable talk.<br /> "If this is the part where you say 'I told you so', then save it. I feel like such an idiot." I whisper hoarsely.<br /> "I'm not here to rub it in, Alanna. I'm worried about you. So are your brothers. The-- the Gala ended last week and you've been hiding in your room ever since."<br /> "What else can I do? I'm the laughing stock of the whole pack, Dad. I lost both my dignity and my boyfriend in a matter of moments." My voice trembles dangerously and the warning of tears already has my Dad fidgeting.<br /> "Are you more upset about Kurt finding his mate or your reputation amongst the pack?" My father, ever the professional. Not a hint of emotion in his tone.<br /> "Both?" I snort tearfully, getting up to face him.<br /> Dad says nothing, nodding to himself. After a few seconds, he reaches for the breakfast tray and places it on my lap. Setting a spoon in the palm of my hand, he gestures for me to eat.<br /> "Dad, I'm really not hungry." I whisper.<br /> "Just a few bites, Alanna. For me?" His rare plea catches me off guard and I try my hand at a few mouthfuls.<br /> Cracking a small smile, Dad watches me force down some food. It's eerily comforting, sitting here with him after so long. We barely spend more than a few moments together nowadays.<br /> "Where are the boys?" I ask, the sudden urge to see my brothers taking over. Dad's smile vanishes instantly.<br /> "Alpha Kurt and his mate have moved in together. Her name is Claire. Her initiation ceremony into the pack is happening tonight. She will be announced as our Luna later tonight."<br /> I drop the spoon heavily, gasping in disbelief. Tears begin to form in my eyes and I blink them back angrily.<br /> "So soon?! It's only been a few days!"<br /> "Kurt wants her in the pack immediately. The boys have been issued orders to help with the function tonight." A look of anger flashes across his face. "You were also ordered to attend...but I stepped in and put my foot down."<br /> The nerve! I told you he was a jerk!<br /> "Despite everything, he still thinks I'll attend?!" I exclaim, breathing heavily. "Not once has he called or even contacted me to-- to draw a line under things! He's just tossed me aside like I meant nothing!"<br /> Dad nods, rubbing his face tiredly. Lines are starting to appear too frequently across his broad face and I wonder just how many worries he has placed on his shoulders.<br /> "Kurt has stated that he owes you nothing. What happened between you guys was a mere fling. You knew from the start that his loyalties would lie somewhere else. This was your choice from the beginning. You coerced him."<br /> "So he's trying to save his own skin now? Trying to prove to his mate that he was loyal from the start?" I scoff, wiping away my angry tears.<br /> Dad pats my shoulder tersely, back rigid with anger.<br /> "As Beta, Kurt seems to think my allegiances to him are prioritised over my daughter."<br /> "I refuse to go, Dad! I'd rather throw myself off a cliff, then be seen--"<br /> "I know, I know. And I'd never let you go there...not by yourself, anyway."<br /> Tears fall silently and I huff intermittently, feeling like a fool. Kurt has well and truly played me.<br /> "Alanna, do you remember the night of the Gala? When you were leaving with your brothers?"<br /> My stomach jolts and I nod. I remember feeling uneasy and my wolf was yipping with excitement, which I couldn't pinpoint.<br /> "Yeah...I remember seeing you with-- someone else." I pace myself, feeling butterflies for no reason.<br /> "That's right, Dante Pelosi. The Alpha of the Midnight Fire pack."<br /> Mate!<br /> I flinch in recognition, an eerie feeling of hope filling me. Conflicting with the sense of rejection, it's too much. How can my wolf be so happy when I feel like complete mass right now?<br /> "That was-- the Alpha?" I whisper.<br /> "Your mate." Dad states, getting to his feet abruptly.<br /> "What--" I huff, pushing the breakfast tray aside.<br /> "You heard me, Alanna. I saw the look in your eyes when you saw him from the truck. Your eyes were glowing...and so were his. That only happens when you first set eyes on your mate."<br /> Dad towers over the bed once more, arms crossed over his chest as me watches me with a knowing smile.<br /> "That's impossible!" I insist, avoiding eye contact.<br /> "No it isn't. And you're blushing."<br /> "Well, we've been invited to his house. He wants to meet you face to face."<br /> I gesture to my food stained pyjamas and greasy hair, shaking my head furiously. Dad just shrugs, as if there's no problem.<br /> "You have time to make yourself look presentable. This is your chance, Alanna. To avoid Kurt and his mate."<br /> "But Dad--" I insist, yet I'm cut short.<br /> "No excuses, Alanna. Be ready by seven. Presentable or not, you are going. It's either this, or the initiation."<br /> With nothing left to say, Dad leaves the room while I stare into space, absolutely bewildered.<br /> "Listen, Aly. Dad's trying to protect you." Reese explains, watching me comb my tousled locks vigorously. "I know Dante. He's a pretty cool guy; one of those modern Alphas who are destined for greatness. Nothing like Kurt."<br /> The mention of his name flips my stomach with disgust. Whatever feelings I had for that loser have been quashed. Atleast, that's what I'm trying to tell my stubborn brain.<br /> "You should wear this coral dress." Ryan adds, poking his head out of my closet and tossing the outfit towards my bed.<br /> "I don't want to." I grumble, folding my arms and ignoring the exasperated looks I'm getting. "Don't look at me like that! I'm not dolling myself up so I can be objectified."<br /> You didn't have a problem when Kurt objectified you...<br /> My wolf and her snide comments are testing my limits. She might think we've found our mate but I beg to differ. Mates don't exist, despite what everyone thinks. What Kurt suffered from was a major infatuation, not a bond.<br /> "Aly! Look, even if this wasn't an important introduction, you would still have to look presentable. Dante is one of the main Alphas and you're the daughter of a Beta. But forget all that; the bottom line is - Dante could potentially be your mate." Reese scolds me with a frown.<br /> "How do you know? How does anyone know? If you don't recall that night, we were all preoccupied. If he were my mate, I'd have felt it. I would have noticed his presence." My voice is laced with heavy sarcasm, my usual stubbornness on the topic of soulmates.<br /> "Okay, I'll accept that." Reese nods reluctantly, his serious face plastered on. "But Dad was with Dante when he first saw you. Remember, you were in the truck so maybe he didn't see enough of you to react. Dad said he had never seen Dante so restless and he only caught wind of your scent."<br /> "Don't forget your reaction." Ryan adds, lounging on my bed. "I saw you freeze up and hesitate. You couldn't resist him."<br /> I stay quiet, knowing I've been defeated. There was definitely some weird chemistry between Dante and I, that's for sure. Soulmates? Definitely not, but it could be something else.<br /> "Someone's blushing..." Reese sings, grinning at me.<br /> "No-- I'm just thinking." I reply defensively, reaching for my makeup to distract me.<br /> "Don't overthink. Go with the flow. Get ready and just give the guy a chance." Ryan talks in short bursts, jumping to his feet.<br /> "Now that you're a little more accepting, we'll leave you to get ready. You have an hour." Reese launches a scrunchie at my face, exiting the room with his super speed before I can yell at him.<br /> Ryan chuckles, pointing at the coral dress one last time and following Reese's footsteps.<br /> I face my mirror with a frown, ditching my sneaky master plan. I had been plotting to look deliberately ugly; frizzy hair, no make up and stained clothes, to put this Dante guy off. Now come to think of it, there's no reason why I have to put a dampener on my appearance. If anything, I should look extra presentable.<br /> "Prove that I still got it." I mutter to myself, the shame of Kurt's rejection getting me worked up.	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1,778,940	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778966}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	777852337873311	Read More	He married her to save his beloved, and cruelly used her, breaking her heart. After their divorce, he realized in anguish that he had been mistaken all along—his true love had always been his ex-wife.<br /> ======<br /> <br /> Chapter1 The truth about marrying her<br /> "Tammy, I'm sorry I hurt you." He stroked her soft hair and murmured. <br /> <br /> Tammy's scarred face hung with tears, and her tiny, naked body lay shivering in the strong man's arms. She was too shy to look up at him.<br /> <br /> Today was her wedding night. Just now, she ended the transformation from a girl to a woman.<br /> <br /> The man holding her in his arms at the moment was her husband Angus, a man could drive all women crazy.<br /> <br /> She had loved him for fifteen years.<br /> <br /> In the darkness, Angus stared at the little woman in his arms. His deep black eyes contained a coolness that was hard for others to guess.<br /> <br /> Tammy shook her head gently. Her face blushed.<br /> <br /> Although he was gentle, the pain was inevitable because it was her first time.<br /> <br /> However, she was happy enough that he didn't mind the scars on her face and that she was a poor little girl who had been living in exile for ten years.<br /> <br /> There was a ding, and his phone rang.<br /> <br /> Angus took the phone, looked at it, frowned, turned his head and said, "Tammy, I'm going out for a few minutes and I will come back soon. Wait for me."<br /> <br /> He bowed his head and gently kissed on her forehead.<br /> <br /> Angus switched on the light and got out of bed, tucking Tammy in and picking up a robe from the side and putting it on.<br /> <br /> Tammy watched as he left the room.<br /> <br /> Without his embrace, she was suddenly lost. She gripped the blanket restlessly at her chest. Her thin shoulders were out of the quilt, and they were covered with the marks of their love and affection.<br /> <br /> A few minutes passed and he didn't return. Tammy's loss grew stronger and stronger.<br /> <br /> She put on her pink nightgown and picked up the heart-shaped pendant carved from the wood on the bedside table and put it around her neck.<br /> <br /> It had been given to her by her mother before she died, and although it was worthless, she had worn it since she was a child.<br /> <br /> The pendant always soothed her anxious emotion.<br /> <br /> Tammy left the new house with a sweet smile on her face to find her husband.<br /> <br /> In the hallway, there was a sudden sound of talking.<br /> <br /> "Tammy's kidney was successfully paired with Sonia, and marrying her was just a way to get her to sign a consent form for the donation."<br /> <br /> It was Angus's voice. It was extraordinarily familiar to her, but it hurt her so much for a moment. His words were like a thunderbolt exploding in her head!<br /> <br /> Tammy's face went suddenly pale. Her hands clenched in fists, gripping the skirt of her nightgown so tightly that her whole body was as stiff as a stone. She seemed to have lost half her life.<br /> <br /> In the back of her mind, the words he'd said when he'd asked her to marry him emerged...<br /> <br /> "Tammy, you are a good girl, and I have no reason to marry any woman but you... "<br /> <br /> But then those words were like heavy slaps in her face!<br /> <br /> Tammy's kidney was paired with Sonia's and marrying her was just to get her to sign the donor consent form-...<br /> <br /> Tammy covered her mouth and shivered.<br /> <br /> She'd never agreed to donate her kidney, and she'd thought he'd married her because he loved her.<br /> <br /> But it turned out that he was the one who was going to trick her into donating a kidney for the woman he loved!<br /> <br /> The familiar figure not far away was as grand and tall as a king, with an elegant aristocratic air. Although the first time had only just been given to him, at the moment he was so strange to her!<br /> <br /> At this time, there came another voice with some flattery: "Oh, so that's it. Young Master Smith, why didn't you say so earlier. I thought you had let Sonia down. After all, she loves you so much, and you married Tammy as soon as she fell ill. It's hard for her not to think too much. Tammy is so vicious that she won't donate her kidney to save her sister. And you're the only one who can control her!"<br /> <br /> Chapter2 So it's all a trick<br /> The speaker was Tammy's stepmother, who was named Sue.<br /> <br /> When Tammy was nine years old, Sue was brought home by her father along with her sister who was older than Tammy. That girl was also her father's biological daughter.<br /> <br /> In other words, not long after her father and mother got married, he already had had an affair with another woman and had a daughter outside.<br /> <br /> At the time, her mother was already suffering from depression due to the hardships she had had in the marriage. And as a result, the incident completely overwhelmed her, causing her to become more and more mentally ill. Finally, her mother desperately tried to throw her out of the car window in a major car accident, while she was burned to death in the car.<br /> <br /> By the time her body was taken out, it was all charred...<br /> <br /> Tammy was only ten years old...<br /> <br /> Her mother was killed by Sue and her daughter, and her face and life were ruined by them.<br /> <br /> And now, they had joined forces and wanted her kidney!<br /> <br /> How could they be so bad? How could they do this to her?<br /> <br /> What did she do wrong?<br /> <br /> Tammy's tears rolled down like a river that had burst its banks!<br /> <br /> Angus, did you know that I've remembered you since I was five years old!<br /> <br /> But I loved you so much, and you trampled on my affection like this!<br /> <br /> His cruelty shattered all her hopes, and her world fell into obscurity.<br /> <br /> She thought she'd made it, but when the fog had lifted, she found that the destination she'd been running to wasn't heaven, but hell!<br /> <br /> Tammy gritted her teeth desperately and ran away back to her room!<br /> <br /> Angus's eyes were deep and dark. His voice had turned cold, "Tammy's kidneys can only be used when it's necessary."<br /> <br /> When he possessed her tonight, she was shaking all the time. She was so thin and fragile, so how could she carry the kidney removal surgery.<br /> <br /> When Sue heard this, she was immediately unhappy, but she didn't dare to show her anger, "Young Master Smith, what do you mean? Didn't you say you'd let her donate her kidney before marrying her? But why did you go back on your word?"<br /> <br /> Angus frowned and said sternly, "I have no regrets. If another suitable kidney is found before the operation, I will divorce her."<br /> <br /> Divorce.<br /> <br /> The thought of these words seemed to hit him hard heavily.<br /> <br /> Sue was about to say something else. Suddenly Angus paled and said indifferently, "Go away and don't let Tammy doubt you."<br /> <br /> His tone was full of strong command that made Sue pale!<br /> <br /> Although she had decided that she was Angus's future mother-in-law, she still shivered, not daring to say anything more. She turned away but a light flashed in her eyes.<br /> <br /> She would never let Tammy go!<br /> <br /> ......<br /> <br /> Tammy huddled in the corner of the room with her arms wrapped around her, shivering.<br /> <br /> Angus came in, and found no one in the room. He searched around, and suddenly noticed the curtains trembling faintly.<br /> <br /> He lifted the curtains and saw Tammy sitting on the floor, hugging her knees as if she was in some kind of shock. Her face was pale as a sheet.<br /> <br /> Angus was startled, "Tammy, what are you doing here?"<br /> <br /> Tammy clenched her teeth desperately, and she stared at him with her red eyes.<br /> <br /> Angus frowned. He was confused. "What's wrong with you? Get up first"<br /> <br /> Chapter3 You give up<br /> He bent down and put his hands under her armpits and picked her up.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Tammy was agitated and pushed him away hard, "Get off me!"<br /> <br /> She almost growled out.<br /> <br /> "......"<br /> <br /> Her attitude was so strange. Did she know anything?<br /> <br /> Instantly, his eyes went cold, "Did you know?"<br /> <br /> Tammy clenched her fists in grief, "Yes!"<br /> <br /> "......"<br /> <br /> Angus said coldly, "In that case, there's no need to pretend loving."<br /> <br /> It was clear that things had been revealed, and his cold tone seemed to tell her that there was no need for him to pretend to be gentle with her anymore.<br /> <br /> The air went cold, and Tammy's whole body became top-heavy as if all her insides had been emptied!<br /> <br /> Suddenly, she was so out of breath that a sensation of her breath being blocked came over her, and she fell to the ground, covering her chest!<br /> <br /> Angus sensed something was wrong and immediately took her in his arms!<br /> <br /> "Tammy!" There was urgency in his voice.<br /> <br /> Tammy's breath quickened and she gripped the man's suit tie. Her tears gushed from her eyes, and her red eyes were full of indignation!<br /> <br /> "........"<br /> <br /> Angus didn't say much, but his face was unusually livid. He just picked Tammy up and put her on the bed.<br /> <br /> "Tammy, how are you feeling?" He patted her face gently, a fine layer of sweat covering his forehead.<br /> <br /> Tammy stared at him with wide and empty eyes. She gave him a sarcastic smile.<br /> <br /> If he'd been scared about her before, she'd have been happy. But now she just felt sick.<br /> <br /> He wasn't afraid she'd die, but he was afraid that he could not get her to sign the consent form!<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Tammy sat up in bed, pushed him away, and got right off the bed!<br /> <br /> Angus frowned. He easily caught her back with his long arms and held her in his arms. He hugged her from behind, and his eyes were dark, "Where do you want to go?"<br /> <br /> "You let go of me!" Tammy shouted!<br /> <br /> Finally, monstrous anger erupted and she tried almost with all her might to break the man's hands that held her. Her nails almost sank into the back of his hands.<br /> <br /> Angus frowned and a chill crossed his face as he said coldly, "Stop it. Calm down!"<br /> <br /> "........"<br /> <br /> He's got the nerve to think she was making a scene?<br /> <br /> Tammy gritted her teeth, veins bulging on her forehead as she hissed, "Angus, how could you cheat on my feelings like that?!"<br /> <br /> She hated him so much!<br /> <br /> Angus closed his eyes and his breathing became a little faster. He easily clamped around her in his embrace. His strong and muscular muscles pressed against her back through the suit and her nightgown. His heartbeat strongly that almost crushed her thin and frail body.<br /> <br /> In the end, he opened his cold and heartless eyes with a frost that couldn't be melted, "Yes, I married you for your kidney, but..."<br /> <br /> He seemed to be trying to explain something else, but the words wouldn't come out of his mouth.<br /> <br /> After all, he was doing it for her kidney. What else could he do to explain?<br /> <br /> "........"<br /> <br /> He had finally admitted it to her. He admitted his intention so neatly, so righteously!<br /> <br /> Tammy breathed a cold air. She bit down on her teeth, and her face was full of tears. The tears hid the scars on her face. She raged, "I won't give my kidney to Sonia. You give up!"<br /> <br /> His voice was also tinged with a hidden anger, and his strong, powerful arms around her became tighter, "Tammy, she's your sister. Why are you so cruel? It's just a kidney. You are not going to die!"<br /> <br /> Just a kidney?<br /> <br /> Why did he have the nerve to say that?<br /> <br /> ...<br /> &4&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-fb_contact-e	106206892171576	Love Story City	https://facebook.com/100083614308933	17,592	1	1,622,175,098,545,428	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Love Story City	120208853138950493	fbweb.moboreader.net	NONE	image		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/51691322-fb_contact-encp15_5-0330-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=961225&accid=1325826931416330&jump=1	2024-05-07 22:13	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441074204_454190200328872_1789329282920823159_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=BC7GvB2wq6wQ7kNvgGlb17l&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfA7csHTNpIB1JwqLMDM4ecHaniGyaCmeII_OnervjsnBQ&oe=6641E770	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441197788_965363814991118_7971123348146815868_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qp1CwUsAWWgQ7kNvgGuwbRn&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDfbYzOL3vKTh2VLS6D-2il7AG9ro2jzNjiyHmIc-XeZA&oe=6641DC96	3	Love Story City	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,806	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778813}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:43	active	760	395038183507105	sciatic nerve pain? do NOT drink cold water?	"𝐈'𝐦 𝐚 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐧𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐰𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐤'𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐌𝐄, 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐠𝐨𝐧𝐞! 😍😍"	WATCH_MORE	https://sciatiease.com/fb/lungbem2bbv/?ad_id={{ad.	281415728381640	Say Goodbye to Sciatic Nerve Pain?	https://facebook.com/61557461678633	10,797	6	1,409,343,179,694,563	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Watch more	Say Goodbye to Sciatic Nerve Pain?	120210844016830608	sciatiease.com	NONE	video	best vitamin to alleviate sciatic nerve pain? (take 2 & watch)	https://sciatiease.com/fb/lungbem2bbv/?ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&source={{site_source_name}}&placement={{placement}}&cpid=36c4673e-1518-4583-a451-7089389f9467&lpid=e5aeb735-1a74-42d8-a915-5ec4d5ec34c8	2024-05-07 16:40	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441415955_1155121402279914_6047034842339559173_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=gWKgXHypotIQ7kNvgF1UGCU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfD6Z7yOLfB0GF2VeCZDsgUvyIlNM4xw-evlXH1MLxqXEw&oe=6641F43E	person_profile	Say Goodbye to Sciatic Nerve P	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441240926_3725491701060518_2344039374023537410_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=UGgjXU4NTjwQ7kNvgFVAlz6&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfA2869P30oaWzmeieJiTiKxQEgz3lvB4IFJwxKnr6sizQ&oe=6641D563	3	Say Goodbye to Sciatic Nerve Pain?	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,778,138	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778264}'	No	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	454095590632691	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Is it yours?" I blurted out the question that had been hovering on the edge of my lips. My fingers clutched at the sheets in a death grip as I braced for the answer.<br /> "Don't change the subject !" He growled, glaring at me.<br /> "Elisa's baby, is it yours?" I asked, feeling my own anger and frustration rise. I hated being accused of being a manipulator when I had no idea what it even was that I was supposedly manipulating. I was angry that Aiden could so blatantly cheat on me, could hold Elisa's hand while she was pregnant while I was all but starved of the tiniest form of affection from my husband. <br /> —<br /> I sagged against the wall of the clinic, not trusting my legs to carry me any further without collapsing in a heap on the floor.<br /> Slowly, as though in a slow motion video, I lifted the picture clutched tight in my left hand and stared at the black and white mass that the nurse had handed over to me after the doctor had pronounced the four words that I had not been expecting at all.<br /> Disbelief and shock and a dozen other thoughts waged a battle in my head. Most prominent thought was 'how?' How could I have gotten pregnant?<br /> Which was a silly question, really. After all I knew all about how babies were made, I wasn't that naive. Still, it had been just the one time, my first time. One time.<br /> A headache bloomed in my temples and I sighed and let my eyes drift shut. Unconsciously, I crumpled the paper in a tight fist, fighting the surge of tears that stung my lids. This was not the time to give in to bouts of self pity, I had to figure out what to do, how to break the news to Aiden and brace myself for what comes after.<br /> I caught sight of the gleaming Mercedes already idling at the front entrance to the hospital, drawing admiring and envious gazes. Thanks to the heavily tinted windows, none of them could see the occupants of the car, but I knew Aiden would be in the back seat, watching me approach. Feeling self conscious at all the attention, I walked up to the car just as the driver's door opened and our chauffeur, Martin, came around to open the back door.<br /> "Afternoon Ma'am." Martin intoned in crisp, professional tones as he held the door open.<br /> "Hello Martin," I murmured, distractedly.<br /> The cause of my distraction sat at the other end of the seat, narrowed dark brown eyes, set in a face that many women and men had described as drop dead gorgeous, were trained on me as he watched me almost lose balance and topple head first into the car.<br /> Disapproval oozed from him in waves as he watched my blunder and my cheeks heated from embarrassment, but I managed to right myself just in time to avoid disaster, mumbling an apology that was ignored.<br /> "Did you get the signed contract?" He asked, his voice deep, sliding over my ears like hot chocolate on a cold winter's morning and I had to suppress the thrilling shiver that ran through me. It wouldn't do to let him see how much everything about him affected me. Yes, I was hopelessly in love with him, but I didn't need a fortune teller to tell me my love was neither wanted nor reciprocated.<br /> I bit the inside of my cheek and nodded. "Yes, everything's all set. We should be able to deliver the first batch of lab equipment by the end of month." I fished out my tablet and switched it on, quickly bringing up the signed contract for him to see. "Dr. Mason sends his regards as well."<br /> Aiden merely spared one glance at the screen and nodded. "It's your project. You'll be the main liaison with Vincent at the hospital. Handle it well."<br /> "Of course." I murmured and slid the tablet back in my purse. My fingers brushed the edge of the picture that would either be the final nail in the coffin of our marriage, or the start of a new beginning.<br /> "Aiden..." My palms began to sweat and I could literally hear my heart pounding in my ears. I swallowed nervously and wiped my sweaty palms on my pants.<br /> Rip off the bandaid.<br /> He looked at me, expression devoid of any emotion. It had always been hard to get a read on Aiden and I usually prided myself on being able to read people with some measure of accuracy. Not Aiden though. He was a block of marble - cold, impenetrable.<br /> "What is it?" There was a hint of impatience in his voice and that made me lose what little nerve I had managed to muster.<br /> "I..." I hated myself for stuttering, because I could see how much it irritated him, if the narrowed eyes and wry twist of his lips was any indication. My hands formed tight fists, nails digging into the soft flesh of my palms, the pain helping to ground me a little. "While I was at the hospital, I stopped by..."<br /> His phone went off, the sound shattering the tense moment and drowning out my words. I fell silent as Aiden cursed under his breath and slid the phone from his inner suit pocket to glance at the screen. In the dim interior of the car, I could easily see the lit up screen and the name of the caller displayed.<br /> Elisa.<br /> A tinge of bile filled my throat at the sight of the name. My shoulders sagged and I looked away, my chest feeling like a vise had clamped down on it, squeezing tight.<br /> "Can it wait?" I heard Aiden ask and I glanced up at him. He was looking at me with that same impatient look, head turned to one side as he waited for my answer. "I need to take this call, we can talk afterwards."<br /> "Yeah, sure." I said, forcing a lightness to my voice that I didn't feel. I watched as Aiden accepted the call, my throat tight as I noticed the way his voice got softer, the way his tense shoulders relaxed as he listened to the reply on the other end, the hint of a smile that lifted his stern mouth and felt the vice tighten until I could barely breathe.<br /> Unable to bear the sight, I looked away, swallowing down the lump of bitter emotions that threatened to spill over. I let my mind wander again, unwilling to listen to whatever conversation they were having, knowing it would only hurt me more.<br /> <br /> With a small sign, I stood up and headed towards my room, carrying the box. As I passed one of the rooms, I heard familiar voices coming from inside and without meaning to, I stopped to listen.<br /> "Do you feel better now?" I heard Aiden say. His voice was gentle and filled with concern. I peeked into the room to see who he was talking to. Elisa lay on a daybed by the window with Aiden crouched in front of her, holding onto her hand.<br /> "Yes," She replied and smiled weakly at him. "I'm sorry to be so much trouble."<br /> "It's fine. Vincent will be up to check on you soon."<br /> "I really don't need a doctor." Elisa whispered. "I'll be fine, really."<br /> "You may be, but we don't want to risk anything, especially with the baby."<br /> Shock reverberated through my entire body as I stood rooted to the spot, my head swimming from what I'd just heard. I must have made a sound because they both looked at me, Aiden with a dark expression and Elisa with what I could only describe as a guilty flush.<br /> "What do you want?" Aiden straightened, his eyes flashing in impatience. Through the fog in my mind, I noticed that he hadn't let go of Elisa's hand even while talking to me.<br /> I opened my mouth several times in an attempt to reply but no words came out, my brian seemingly having turned to mush. Several thoughts were swimming through my mind but most prominent were two big questions.<br /> Elisa was pregnant and was Aiden the father?<br /> My gaze landed on their clasped hands and a despair so deep started at the pit of my stomach.<br /> "Jessica!" Aiden's bark pulled me from the jumble of my thoughts. I stared at him blankly, my eyes welling with unshed tears then I looked at Elisa.<br /> "You're pregnant?" I asked stupidly. My voice was a low whisper, broken and hoarse.<br /> At her nod, my knees threatened to give way and I gripped the door for support. I wanted to ask my second question, but I couldn't bring myself to utter the words, I didn't want to know the truth because I wasn't sure I would survive it.<br /> The box slipped from my numb hand and tumbled to the floor with a dull thud. Aiden's eyes fell on the box and if it were possible for his expression to get any colder, it did.<br /> "What are you doing with that?" He demanded in a tone filled with frost.<br /> Still shocked I glanced down at the box then bent down to pick it up. The metal felt cold in my hand as I clasped it to my chest, while fighting the sting of tears.<br /> "Who gave that to you?" Aiden asked. He let go of Elisa's hand and stalked towards me, eyes shooting sparks of blue ice.<br /> "Jodie gave it to me." I replied, taking a step back as he approached, feeling a bit frightened by his ferocity.<br /> He stopped in front of me, mouth set in a thin line. "We need to talk. Now."<br /> Without waiting for my response, his hand closed over my wrist and he towed me along as he strode out of the room, pausing only to reassure Elisa that he would be right back. I stumbled behind him, struggling to match his long strides, clutching the box to my chest like a lifeline. We entered his room and he let go of me to slam the door shut.<br /> The curtains were drawn, casting the room in darkness but I could make out some of the furnishings. Not trusting my legs to hold me up any longer, I perched on the edge of the bed, rubbing my sweaty palms over my dress as I watched Aiden pace round the room, my pulse fluttering in anxiety.<br /> Finally, with a brusque laugh that held bitterness, Aiden stopped in front of me, arms folded. "You really are something else, Jessica." his tone dripped with frost. "Even after two years in this marriage, you're still so determined to manipulate me to get what you want right?"<br /> "Is it yours?" I blurted out the question that had been hovering on the edge of my lips. My fingers clutched at the sheets in a death grip as I braced for the answer.<br /> "Don't change the subject !" He growled, glaring at me.<br /> "Elisa's baby, is it yours?" I asked, feeling my own anger and frustration rise. I hated being accused of being a manipulator when I had no idea what it even was that I was supposedly manipulating. I was angry that Aiden could so blatantly cheat on me, could hold Elisa's hand while she was pregnant while I was all but starved of the tiniest form of affection from my husband.<br /> Something flashed across his expression but was gone too quickly for me to identify what it was. Then his lips thinned, his eyes flashing with mockery. "And what if it is?" He drawled. "Surely you did not expect me to live like a monk when I have a cold fish for a wife?"<br /> Each word hit me with the force of a thousand bricks. "That's not fair, Aiden."<br /> "Fair? You want to talk to me about what's fair?" Aiden leaned over me, one hand on each side, effectively caging me in. "Don't make this into a pity party for yourself, Jessica, you don't get to feel sorry for any misery you brought on yourself the day you plotted with my father to force me to marry you."<br /> I shut my eyes so he wouldn't see my despair. "For the last time, I had nothing to do with Julian's decision."<br /> "Yes, well he's not here to defend himself, is he?" Aiden sneered. He gestured at the box which was on the bed. "Do you really think what's in that box can stop me from ending this marriage?"<br /> "I don't know." I whispered, each pulse like a thousand needles piercing through my skin. I didn't know what was in the box, but what I did know was that I could no longer lie to myself. My marriage was beyond saving and even if Aiden chose to stay with me, we would just continue to hurt each other.<br /> I drew in a shaky breath and gathered my thoughts. "You're right, there's no use trying to save this marriage anymore. We should get a divorce, I'm willing to sign anything, let's just go our separate ways."<br /> He stared at me, his gaze roving over my face as though he was trying to gauge the depth of my emotions. "Why?"<br /> "You said it yourself, our marriage is a sham and it's making us both miserable so we might as well end it." I couldn't resist adding bitterly. "And you can finally be with the one you've always wanted."<br /> He straightened, folded his arms, still watching me intently. "What do you want in the divorce?"<br /> "I really don't care. I just want this to be over." I pushed to my feet, wanting to be alone, where I could feel sorry for myself in peace. "I have a flight to catch in two hours, you can send over the divorce papers when I get to Winsconsin. I'll move my things out of the house when I get back from my trip. Excuse me."<br /> I pushed past him, but he stopped me. "About Elisa..." he began but I stopped him with a cold glare.<br /> "I don't care anymore, Aiden. You can marry her tomorrow for all I care. Have a nice life."<br /> I stormed out of the room and almost collided into Vincent who was just entering the room. He steadied me, his brow furrowing when he saw the state I was in.<br /> "Jess, what's wrong?" He asked, eyes darting from me to Aiden.<br /> "Nothing's wrong, I just have a flight to catch. Please excuse me." I broke free from his grip and hurried away. Let Aiden be the one to explain, let him say whatever he wanted, I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to leave Skye manor and everything it meant.<br /> Needing to avoid the people milling about, I headed for the west side where there was a set of stairs that led to the lake and from there I could get to the parking lot. My bags were still in the car and I could only hope that Martin was closeby.<br /> "Jess! Wait a moment." Elisa called out from behind me. I hastened my steps, I didn't want to talk to her, didn't trust myself to not lose my cool and lash out at her. Right now, I hated her for everything she represented.<br /> "Jessica!" she called out again but I kept moving. I could see the stairs just ahead and hurried towards it. Just as I reached the first step, I felt my arm being wrenched from behind.<br /> I turned towards her defensively, intending to yank my arm away. The next seconds happened in slow motion as I watched, the horrified look on Elisa's face as she stumbled forward from the force, tripped over my foot and plunged headfirst down the steep flight of stairs.<br /> I heard a piercing scream and realized it was coming from me, as I stood frozen as Elisa tumbled down the stairs to land in a broken heap at the base. My heart hammered in my chest, fingers stiff and cold as I forced myself to move, eyes glued on the gruesome sight below. Someone shoved past me, pushing me aside so hard my shoulder hit the guardrail and I gasped as pain bloomed from the spot.<br /> "What did you do to her?" Aiden had reached Elisa, he kneeled down beside her, his expression a picture of panic and fear. He gathered her carefully in his arms and I felt my head swim at the sight of the blood pooling beneath her. I slid down and sat on a step, my legs having turned to jelly.<br /> "Aiden, don't move her, she may have a spinal injury." Vincent yelled as he brushed past me. Aiden set her back down on the ground, her face pale and lifeless.<br /> "Call nine one one." Vincent instructed as he began emergency procedures on Elisa. With trembling fingers, Aiden pulled out his cell phone and dialed.<br /> The next hour passed in a blur. The ambulance came and went, Aiden and Vincent going along with them, but not before Aiden had paused by me to say harshly.<br /> "If anything happens to Elisa or her baby, you'll wish you were never born."<br /> I stood gazing in the distance long after the tail lights of the ambulance had disappeared, unaware of anything, my mind blank of any thought save the sight of Elisa lying helpless and bleeding.<br /> Someone draped a large jacket over my shoulders and I finally tore my eyes away from the treeline to see Logan standing beside me.<br /> "It's freezing out here, come inside." He gently steered me towards the house and my feet followed, still numb.<br /> "I need to go to the hospital," I mumbled, clutching at the lapels of the coat. "Need to make sure she's okay."<br /> "I'll take you there." Logan assured me as he led me to a chair. "But first, let's get you warmed up and out of shock."<br /> I shook my head and attempted to stand up. "No, I need to go now. Elisa could be..." I choked off with a sob, unwilling to complete my sentence.<br /> Logan pulled me into a hug. "She'll be alright, Jess. Don't worry."<br /> I pulled away and turned towards the door. "Please, Logan. Let's go now."<br /> He saw the desperation on my face and nodded. "Okay, let's go."<br /> We got into his car, a sleek black ferrari convertible just as Jodie caught up to us.<br /> "Mom, we're heading to the hospital," I heard him say to her. I was still too numb to do much more than sit there, tense and worried because I was scared to death.<br /> She leaned down to my window and took my hands in hers, giving me a comforting squeeze. "Are you alright, hun?"<br /> Tears filled my eyes and I shook my head. I wasn't sure if I would ever be alright again. She gently pushed back strands of my hair that had come loose from my face. "I...I didn't mean to hurt her...I would never try to..."<br /> "I know, dear. Don't beat yourself up. It was an accident, and those happen sometimes. Remember not to push yourself too hard, there's someone who depends on your well being, okay?"<br /> I nodded and she smiled, let go of my hands and turned to her son. "Drive carefully and give me a call when you get to the hospital."<br /> "Yeah mom. I'll do that." Logan turned on the ignition and the engines responded with a loud roar.<br /> "What happened, Jess?" Logan asked once we were on the road to the hospital which was thankfully not too far. "How did Elisa fall down those stairs?"<br /> I sighed and told him everything. From Elisa's pregnancy with Aiden to our impending divorce and finally, with a throat tight with emotion, the scene at the stairs. I told him about my pregnancy as well. Logan listened with growing incredulity, his knuckles in a death grip on the wheel, jaw set in fury.<br /> "I'm going to kill him." He gritted out once I had finished. "That cheating prick had the balls to threaten you because of his side chick? I'm going to cut off his balls and stuff them in his mouth. He cheated on you while you're carrying his child?"<br /> "He doesn't know about the baby." I rubbed at my belly distractedly. "I was going to tell him after my trip."<br /> "That doesn't excuse him at all. He shouldn't have cheated on you."<br /> I hummed in response, grateful that we were approaching the hospital parking lot. We hurried into the building, my anxiety at critical levels as we neared the front desk, then followed directions to the trauma ward.<br /> "What are you doing here?" Aiden growled at me when we entered the surgery waiting room. He and Vincent were the only ones inside, their clothing rumpled and stained with blood. "Get out, right now."<br /> "Don't order her around." Logan snapped, coming to stand in front of me, his eyes glaring daggers at Aiden. "Unless this room is in your name, you don't get to decide who stays or leaves."<br /> "Logan," Aiden took several steps forward, tone low and deadly. "Do not test me right now. Take her and get out of here before I do something that'll land us both in prison."<br /> "Logan, let's leave. Please." I tugged at his sleeve, scared that the two men would actually come to blows.<br /> "We're not leaving. I'd like to see what he can do."<br /> At this time, both men were literally nose to nose and the air was thick with so much tension, you could slice it with a blunt knife.<br /> Aiden's jaw worked, his knuckles white and I could see he was trying his best not to swing at Logan. Both men were tall, though Aiden had several inches on Logan, his shoulders were broader, muscles more well defined. Still, I'd seen Logan fight before, he'd broken more than his share of noses in highschool and college. The guy could hold his own against a bigger opponent.<br /> "Okay, the both of you need to calm down." Vincent inserted himself between the two men, arms out on either side. "This is neither the time nor place for this, not while Elisa is in surgery."<br /> When neither man still moved, Vincent gently pushed Aiden back and he moved away reluctantly, his gaze still pinned on Logan.<br /> Vincent turned to me, his eyes devoid of actual warmth for the first time since I'd known him. "Jess, you two can stay."<br /> "How is Elisa?" I asked.<br /> "She's still in surgery for internal bleeding, but the ER doctor said she didn't have any spinal injuries, so that's good, but with the baby, she's not out of the woods yet."<br /> "I'm so sorry." I whispered. "This is my fault." If only I had stopped to talk to her, if only I hadn't tried to pull away when she grabbed my arm...<br /> So many if onlys.<br /> Aiden scoffed and pinned me with a glare. "Of course it's your fault. You pushed her, didn't you?"<br /> "No!" I cried out, shaking my head frantically. "I didn't push her, I swear. I would never do that."<br /> He looked like he didn't believe me. "Of course, you didn't."<br /> "She didn't push her, prick." Logan snapped at Aiden. "Your girlfriend was the one who came running after Jess, probably to gloat over the divorce."<br /> "Watch your mouth or I swear I'll..."<br /> "Guys, cool it." Vincent raised his voice in exasperation. "We're going to get thrown out of the hospital if you keep this up."<br /> We retreated to opposite sides of the room, Logan and I on one end, Aiden and Vincent at the other. Aiden sat down and took out his phone and proceeded to ignore us.<br /> An hour passed before a doctor clad in purple scrubs came over to inform us that Elisa was out of surgery and in recovery. She had ruptured her spleen in the fall and sustained some injuries, including a broken arm, but otherwise would be expected to make a full recovery.<br /> We all breathed out a collective sigh of relief until Aiden asked tersely. "And the baby? Will it be okay?"	LEARN_MORE	https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNzE4NDgvMjA	187930081060768	Mob003	https://facebook.com/61553279956983	38	1	1,814,896,575,662,779	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Mob003	120208152651420018	a.mobobooks.com	NONE	video		https://a.mobobooks.com/ad/TW9ib29rcy8xNzE4NDgvMjAyNDA1MDgxMDU4MzgvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 22:05	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441243275_631875719161174_5533662278487326752_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ktfOQHKqN18Q7kNvgH0ms_W&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCaAt06ABi_Mq5Pki5BcFltdQGeH9z2lz0E0D8AJXI6tw&oe=6641D09F	person_profile	Mob003	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440336414_1007805017544336_8134526855284681474_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KErtjMVLb20Q7kNvgHapbn1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBH08qJg9vpeuhHEannpsc2MJw-NUGOjaFMJi6ZVmFZMg&oe=6641D472	3	Mob003	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,962	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778979}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	971454487710883	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	1,159,173,758,573,020	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Novellove read	120208491470460660	fbweb.moboreader.net	NONE	video		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-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/439936089_459391773139731_6439015861434469583_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=u-8wc8TOGOMQ7kNvgHS_wbA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAFWqe6jqaWVyRm3egjVM2UBweBhxfqJ0kV7NGBOPqaxw&oe=6641F42B	person_profile	moboreader	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441409982_810572597125450_1431756573250791344_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4KXRRLMllVwQ7kNvgGpGzWT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBNMDJwsGC-ygyYdCiZ2zen6EKJYkBV1NMkXGq5CPM0XA&oe=6641D7FF	3	Novellove read	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete

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