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2,619,003	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2619001}'	Yes	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	💪Unlock 50% OFF🥊Buy 3, Get 1 Free🥊Free Shipping	🏆Exclusive Discounts! 🔥Discount Codes Inside! • 10% OFF first tee with code: YK10 • FREE Shipping on 2+ tees! • Buy 3, Get 1 FREE \| Buy 6, Get 2 FREE \| Buy 10, Get 4 FREE (codes inside!)	SHOP_NOW	https://www.y2kvintages.com/collections/ufc-wwe-te	Y2kvintages	https://www.facebook.com/Y2kvintages/	110	1969-12-31 18:00	Shop Now	https://www.y2kvintages.com/collections/ufc-wwe-te...	CAROUSEL	🏆Exclusive Discounts! 🔥Discount Codes Inside! • 10% OFF first tee with code: YK10 • FREE Shipping on 2+ tees! • Buy 3, Get 1 FREE \| Buy 6, Get 2 FREE \| Buy 10, Get 4 FREE (codes inside!)	https://www.y2kvintages.com/collections/ufc-wwe-tee	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469223177_1568841917171499_2081423245009672292_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i_e4q9avtVkQ7kNvgF7-Rgc&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0iErcwQ4UmAitV8G_gZqrm&oh=00_AYAVLPw8Aa00g-1w8OSGh_PDbr1abBPAMZj0TBP5iVLbHA&oe=675CD4F2	PERSON_PROFILE	Y2kvintages	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,380	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2619030}'	Yes	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Download Now👉👉👉	Get Married at Fifty ONLY on Drama Time.🎬 Don't miss out! Watch the series you've been wanting to see. No regrets, just pure entertainment! #Must SeeTV #No Regrets #Watch Now	WATCH_MORE		Romantic Love	https://www.facebook.com/61557838064349/	344	1969-12-31 18:00	Watch More		DCO			1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/463827667_526877096873603_5621357939540988634_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Uz_07E07B1EQ7kNvgF2QCW4&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ApksdQtxJOXOGmAQCHDIbDu&oh=00_AYAbUXwMeZx-P046UhWAUfd81aTo41u0XFiyoGebzw2qNA&oe=675CE658	PERSON_PROFILE	Romantic Love	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,618,569	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2618538}'	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Absolutely Free Reading:📖 Love Unspoken👉🏻	I am mute. My husband is very indifferent to me, treating me only as a tool to satisfy his sexual desires. Moreover, every time we make love, he pinches my chin and asks, "Why don't you speak?" Tears glisten in my eyes; I can't answer that question. Being mute, I am destined not to moan like other women, to satisfy a man's pleasure in bed. Why does Alexander ask this question when he knows I am mute? Is he intentionally humiliating me? Or is it due to some complex emotions? ------------------------------- In the evening, Quinn Mellon prepared a table full of delicious dishes, waiting for her husband to come home for dinner. However, until one in the morning, her husband still hadn't returned. The clock on the wall kept ticking, silently narrating the long night. The food on the table had long gone cold, much like Quinn's heart. With a soft sigh, Quinn gathered the cold dishes and stored them in the kitchen, patiently reheating them, trying to retain a hint of home's warmth. At that moment, the sound of the door opening echoed, and Quinn quickly turned around. There stood a man in a suit, tall and handsome, walking in. He had been drinking, stumbling a bit as he walked, but it was this slight intoxication that made his already handsome face even more charming. This handsome, slightly drunk man was none other than Quinn's husband, Alexander Kennedy! Seeing her husband return, Quinn quickly got up to greet him. Quinn had also prepared a bowl of sobering soup for Alexander, but as she handed it to him, he accidentally knocked it over, spilling it on the floor. Before Quinn could react, Alexander was by her side, grabbing her chin and then forcefully kissing her. Subsequently, Alexander lifted Quinn up and headed towards the bedroom. Clearly, Alexander was driven by lust; he sought someone to satisfy his desires. Quinn was thrown onto the bed by Alexander. Just as Quinn tried to get up, Alexander's body pressed down on her, pinning her firmly to the bed. Alexander's strength was overwhelming, and Quinn couldn't resist. Not only was her body unable to resist, but she couldn't even utter a word of refusal. After all, she was mute, unable to speak. Quinn had no choice but to give up resistance. Alexander passionately kissed Quinn's neck and chest. Seeing Quinn's lack of resistance or words, Alexander placed his hand on Quinn's cheek and asked in a low voice, "Why don't you speak?" Tears glistened in Quinn's eyes; she couldn't answer that question. Being mute, she was destined not to moan like other women, to satisfy a man's pleasure in bed. Why did Alexander ask this question when he knew she was mute? Was he intentionally humiliating her? Or was it due to some complex emotions? Quinn didn't know what Alexander was thinking. All she could do was comply, fulfilling her husband's sexual needs. Quinn began to kiss Alexander and used her slender fingers to caress his body... Alexander soon felt the arousal,He is ready to vent his desires... (Detailed descriptions of sex scenes can be viewed after downloading the software.) Sex was wonderful; even with a heart full of grievances, Quinn could still find pleasure in it. Alexander had a great physique, and he and Quinn made love for a full hour. Both immersed in the ecstasy of sex, they both reached climax... When Quinn opened her eyes again, it was already the next morning. Alexander was in the bathroom, leaving Quinn alone in bed. After the passion faded, emptiness set in. Quinn was in pain; she couldn't feel any love from Alexander, only his lust. What did Alexander see her as? A wife? Or a whore? As Quinn was about to get dressed, the phone on the bedside table suddenly vibrated. It was Alexander's phone! Someone had sent a message to Alexander. Quinn glanced at it. It was a message from a woman named Getty Morgan to Alexander. Getty's message read: "[You promised to be with me tonight, why did you go back to that disgusting mute?]" Seeing the message, Quinn felt deeply distressed. So, Alexander had come back so late last night because he was with another woman... Just then, the bathroom door slowly opened, and Alexander stepped out after his shower. Quinn quickly averted her gaze from the phone screen, pretending she hadn't seen anything, and continued dressing. Alexander walked to the bed, picked up his phone, and glanced at Quinn, who was getting dressed. "Did you see the message someone sent me?" Alexander asked casually. Quinn quickly shook her head. She remembered what Alexander had told her on their wedding day: "Don't fall in love with me. I'll take care of you, but don't expect more." Alexander had made it clear—no love. So, even if she saw the message, what could she do? Alexander never cared about her feelings, let alone whether she would be jealous, sad, or in pain. Someone who isn't cared for has no right to be angry. Her love, her emotions, to Alexander, perhaps they were just burdens... Quinn gestured in sign language: "I'll go prepare breakfast." With that, Quinn endured the soreness in her body, slowly got up, and headed to the kitchen. Watching Quinn's frail figure, Alexander glanced at the phone and eventually deleted Getty's message. Soon, Quinn had breakfast ready. They sat together at the table in silence. "Come with me to Kennedy Residence later." Alexander suddenly spoke. Quinn smiled and nodded. Alexander looked at Quinn. Quinn was always so obedient, always smiling no matter what. But her compliance seemed to erase her personality. A person without a personality is truly uninteresting... After breakfast, Alexander drove Quinn to Kennedy Residence. Quinn was brought to Alexander by his grandfather, Ulysses Kennedy, who adored Quinn. Three years ago, Ulysses was critically ill and ordered Alexander to marry Quinn. However, at that time, Alexander was in love with another woman. That woman was Getty, the one who had just messaged Alexander. Getty and Alexander had grown up together, childhood sweethearts. Although Alexander liked Getty, he dared not defy his grandfather's command and ultimately married Quinn. Quinn loved Alexander, even though she couldn't express that love. But Alexander didn't love Quinn. A one-sided love in marriage is destined to be a tragedy. Quinn deeply felt this deeply after marriage. Alexander's heart wasn't with her; it was with that woman named Getty... Alexander brought Quinn to Kennedy Residence. It was a lively day at Alexander's home because his sister, Freya, had given birth to a son, and they were celebrating with a feast. Quinn followed Alexander into the hall. In the hall, Alexander's mother, Kaitlyn, was holding her grandson, smiling. But as soon as she saw Quinn, her expression darkened. Clearly, Kaitlyn didn't like Quinn. Quinn greeted Kaitlyn, who seemed to ignore her, engrossed in conversation with her son Alexander and daughter Freya. Being ignored, Quinn didn't get angry; she just stood quietly on the side. Freya glanced at Quinn and said, "Look how cute the baby is. Why don't you and my brother have a child?" Kaitlyn snorted, "Having one mute in the family is embarrassing enough. If you have another mute, I won't be able to show my face!" Upon hearing this, Alexander glanced at Quinn, who lowered her head, looking mournful. Freya's mention of having a child was clearly a jab. Last year, Quinn was pregnant, but Kaitlyn forced her to have an abortion for fear she would give birth to another mute child! When Alexander found out, he didn't step in to defend Quinn. Under Alexander's pressure, Quinn had no choice but to terminate the pregnancy. Quinn often wondered what life would be like if that child had been born; by now, the child would have been almost a year old... Apart from Ulysses, no one liked Quinn, especially Freya, who harbored a deep hatred towards her. Quinn entered Alexander's life at the age of five, and Freya, resentful of Quinn's favored status with their grandfather, bullied Quinn for her inability to speak. She would lock Quinn in storage rooms and even burn her hair with a lighter. Once, Freya pushed Quinn down the stairs, and Alexander caught her in the act. Alexander reprimanded Freya. Already resentful of their grandfather's favoritism towards Quinn, Freya now found herself scolded by her beloved older brother for mistreating Quinn. How could she not hate her? At that time, Quinn couldn't sign or write, let alone report the abuse, so Freya's torment only escalated, with any hint of displeasure from Freya resulting in Quinn bearing the brunt of her anger. As they grew older, Freya no longer physically bullied Quinn; instead, she tormented her emotionally and mentally. Freya would deliberately bring up pregnancy to remind Quinn of the terminated child, seeking to inflict pain upon her. She was a malicious woman! Alexander, feeling uneasy, stood up and said, "Let's go!" Confused, Freya asked, "Brother, why are you in such a hurry to leave? At least finish your meal before going!" "No, there's work at the office," Alexander said, pulling Quinn away without looking back at Freya. Watching this scene, Freya grew even angrier, unable to understand her brother's actions. Alexander's affection should have been for Getty, not Quinn. So why was he protecting Quinn? Back in the car, Alexander lit a cigarette, showing signs of irritation. Quinn sat quietly, waiting for him to finish smoking. After he finished, Alexander turned to Quinn. She remained meek, with a faint smile on her lips, like a servant awaiting orders from a master. Seeing Quinn's lack of anger and her submissive demeanor, Alexander felt deeply uncomfortable. He didn't like people without a backbone. When someone is bullied or provoked, they should get angry! Yet, Alexander also felt a pang of pity for Quinn. After a moment of thought, he asked her, "What do you think about having a child?" Quinn was momentarily surprised, then signed back: Your mother is right. What if I give birth to a mute child? It's better if we don't have one. From childhood to adulthood, Quinn had learned a harsh truth: everything she hoped for would eventually shatter like glass. The more beautiful the fantasy, the more painful its shattering! Like the time she wanted a birthday cake as a child, Ulysses bought her one. She was about to make a wish when Freya pushed her face into the cake. She lifted her head in embarrassment, cake smeared all over her face, surrounded by laughter from onlookers who found it amusing. Quinn forced a smile, but inside, she was hurting. Having endured so much pain, Quinn no longer dared to hope for anything. Suddenly, Alexander remembered something and said, "I remember not using protection last night. Maybe we could have conceived a child." Quinn signed back: I'm on birth control. Alexander looked at her fingers as she signed. Her fingers, slender and long from constant movement, danced gracefully as she signed, a sight to behold. After watching her for a moment, Alexander looked away, started the car, and insincerely said, "That's good then!" Quinn lowered her head. Alexander dropped Quinn off at the coffee shop where she worked. As the car pulled up, he noticed Getty standing there. Getty always found a way to locate Alexander. Tall and stunningly beautiful, with long legs and curly hair cascading down her back, Getty commanded attention wherever she stood. As she watched Alexander and Quinn step out of the car, her anger peaked, flames flickering in her eyes. Getty's demeanor suggested she was the wife, and Quinn the mistress, but in reality, Quinn was Alexander's true wife! Seeing Getty, Alexander furrowed his brow slightly and asked, "Why are you here?" Glancing at Quinn beside him, Getty noticed faint marks on her neck, fueling her anger. Getty suppressed his anger and smiled at Alexander, saying, "I came here because I wanted to see you." Alexander turned to Quinn, "Go inside and start work." Quinn nodded and headed towards the coffee shop. This was where she worked; after many rejections, this place was the only one willing to take her in. Once Quinn was out of earshot, Getty took Alexander's arm, a hint of coquettishness in her tone, "Are you still angry?" Alexander didn't push Getty away, simply saying, "Let's talk in the car." Before getting in, Getty took out disinfectant from her bag and sprayed the seat where Quinn had sat several times. She then looked up and said with a smile, "Dirty things have been sitting here. It's not clean. Let's disinfect it!" Alexander watched her intently, saying nothing, silently allowing her actions. From inside the coffee shop, Quinn watched it all through the glass. She saw Alexander's indulgence towards Getty and his affection for her. Those favored by others often felt invincible. Alexander loved Getty, so no matter how unreasonable or absurd her actions, they seemed justified in his eyes. Even when she humiliated his wife in front of him. After disinfecting the seat, Getty finally got into the car. She adjusted her curly hair and held Alexander's hand, "Alright, why the long face? I won't mention divorce again in the future!" Alexander spoiled her, but every time Getty brought up divorce between him and the mute woman, Alexander would immediately get upset. Although Alexander always claimed he didn't love the mute woman and only felt a sense of responsibility towards Quinn, Getty would still get angry. Getty's jealousy was intense; she wanted exclusive favoritism and couldn't bear the thought of another woman sharing Alexander's love, even if that woman was mute! Furthermore, Getty always felt Alexander was lying. A woman's intuition told her that Alexander might actually love the mute woman, but was just bad at expressing it. Thinking about this made Getty even angrier and increased her hatred towards Quinn. Alexander lit a cigarette, leaned back in his seat, took two deep drags, and smoke filled the car. "Getty, I promised you that as long as you're with me, you'll never have to worry about anything. Even if we never marry, I'll take care of you for life. I keep my promises," he said. Turning to Getty, he continued, "This is my promise to you, just like the one I made to my grandfather." Before his grandfather passed away, he made Alexander swear to take care of Quinn for life, even if he didn't love her. Alexander made that promise! In his life, Alexander had only made promises to two people: his grandfather and Getty. Promises! Damn promises. Every time Getty heard those words, she became furious! "Yes, I know you keep your word," Getty suppressed her anger and muttered, "But it was me who was with you first!" After finishing his cigarette, Alexander flicked the butt out of the car, then held Getty's hand, a hint of indulgence in his tone, "I'm sorry. Just tell me what you want." Tilting her head, Getty thought for a moment, "I don't feel like driving my Ferrari anymore. I want a Maserati instead!" Alexander smiled faintly, "Done." Getty added, "Also, don't go back to see that mute woman Quinn for a month." Alexander hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded, "Alright." Satisfied, Getty smiled, "Let's go, time to go to work!" Quinn watched as Alexander and Getty drove off, feeling immense pain in her heart. The cloth in her hand was crumpled from her grip. She smoothed out the cloth on the table, as if soothing her own heart, twisted into a knot. At that moment, a voice spoke, "Your husband is so intimate with other women. Aren't you angry?" 🔥Download and read the follow-up of the story🔥 Free reading without any hidden fees👉👉👉	LEARN_MORE	https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/715.html?i	Novels-1018	https://www.facebook.com/61566884326050/	126	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	ads.novelflow.app	VIDEO		https://ads.novelflow.app/prod/template/715.html?id=715&v=v40&ch=1&ch_b=1&ch_e=8&channel_id=NFFT140100008&ad_id={{ad.id}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&campaign_id={{campaign.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&campaign_name={{campaign.name}}&t=0	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/469871632_1490532734967485_167755107254223756_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=-2Mow5crkvQQ7kNvgE0JzNx&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A-YMwS10TL5StEMU81oSVKb&oh=00_AYBIeBZnvyIwS3MEsQOl4CBrY8tsLrPSv8cp1WyvpKmbaw&oe=675CD398	PERSON_PROFILE	Novels-1018	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,618,332	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Read next chapter	On her wedding anniversary, she dressed up for a date but was drugged and manipulated by her husband's mistress, leading to spend a night with a stranger. To her surprise, he turned out to be her husband's half-brother and business rival! ===== In the dimly lit, opulent private cinema, the most exclusive jewelry auction was being broadcast live. "One million, going once, going twice--" The rich cadence of the auctioneer's voice echoed through the room, the man tightened his grip around Alicia Bennett's waist... With the intensity between them only grew fiercer as time passed... The auctioneer's gavel fell. "Sold for ten million! Let's give a round of applause to Mr. Joshua Yates!" The name struck Alicia like a lightning bolt. Her body instantly went rigid, something that the man couldn't help but notice, flicked lazily toward the screen. The camera zoomed in on Joshua Yates's face, every detail of his familiar features displayed in perfect clarity. "Joshua Yates, the second son of the Yates family... an acquaintance perhaps?" he drawled, the corners of his mouth tugging into a sly smile. Alicia's frown deepened. The last thing she wanted was to discuss it, she didn't respond. The man, upon seeing the situation, chuckled lightly before his movements grew even more relentless... ...... When it was over, Alicia took advantage of the man's time in the shower and quietly made her escape. When Caden Ward finally emerged from the bathroom, not catching sight of the woman's figure, he curled his lips slightly. Moments later, his assistant, Hank Ford, burst into the room, clearly on edge, "Er, apologies, Mr. Ward. I let my guard down. Give me a moment, and I'll have her brought back immediately." They had just returned to the country, taking every precaution. And yet, a woman had managed to slip through the cracks of their security. Caden's features calm, almost indifferent. "No need. I was... a willing participant." Hank's eyes widened in shock. In all the time he'd known Caden, the man had never slept with a woman,even physical contact. There were even rumors that Caden might suffer from some secret ailment. Yet now, those whispers seemed to evaporate in the face of this unexpected turn of events. Before Hank could make sense of it, Caden's deep voice pulled him back to reality. "I want you to look into Joshua's personal life. Have the report on my desk in half an hour." Tonight, Alicia had stumbled into his room, feverish and desperate. It was obvious she'd been framed. And then came the revelation--Alicia was still a pureness. Two years of marriage to Joshua... Yet she was still untouched? Caden's lips curled into a satisfied smile. But as he reflected, one thing became abundantly clear--Alicia had no idea who she'd been with due to the dug's effects. ... By the time Alicia returned home, the first light of dawn filtered through the windows. Only then did she realize how long she had been out. But before she could dwell any further, her phone rang. It was her bestie, Monica Flynn, calling. "Alicia!" Monica practically screeched from the other end of the line, her voice high-pitched with worry. "How are you now?" Alicia exhaled deeply, kicking off her shoes carelessly. "I've been better," she murmured. Monica's anger bubbled over, her words sharp and unrelenting. "Joshua's beyond disgusting! If he doesn't want to stay married, he should just grow a spine and divorce you already! What kind of sick man would scheme against his own wife?" The sharp pain of betrayal shot through Alicia's chest. Yesterday was their second anniversary. Joshua had texted her, suggesting they celebrate. Daring to hope he had changed, she had dressed up to the nine's, only to be met with disappointment and a dug-laced drink that sent her spiraling into a night of confusion and chaos. Was Joshua really the mastermind behind this? Swallowing the bitterness that tried clawing its way to the surface, Alicia forced herself to climb the stairs, her movements slow and weary. "It's fine, Monica. I'll handle it." Monica, ever protective, wasn't convinced. "'Handle it'? What do you mean you'll handle it? Just say the word, and I'll be over in a heartbeat." Alicia couldn't help the small, tired smile that tugged at her lips, hanging up the phone. But her heart still felt heavy, just as she lost focus, the door to her bedroom creaked open. She lifted her gaze, and almost instantly, her stomach dropped. There, fresh from a shower, a towel wrapped loosely around his waist, stood Joshua. He stared down at her. Chapter 2 Divorce Alicia snapped out of her daze as soon as she met the icy gaze of Joshua, her so-called husband. His expression remained unchanged, cold and indifferent as ever, as though he was looking at a stranger. The only thing out of place was the scars on his lips. A wave of disgust washed over her, she pushed him away and was about to enter. Joshua frowned, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist. "Alicia, what's with the attitude?" He seemed quite unhappy with her this time, which was a rare thing, considering how little he bothered to come home. Normally, Alicia would have welcomed him back with open arms, a flicker of joy lighting up her tired features, but today she looked drained, almost hollow. She didn't resist his grip, meeting his gaze with a calmness that unnerved him. "Haven't I always been like this? Obedient, sensible, making sure the house is in order, ensuring you're comfortable, ready to give your best at work." A small, bitter smile tugged at her lips. "Isn't that what you like most about me? It makes things easier for you, doesn't it? Frees up time for your other... 'special someone'." Joshua's eyes darkened at the veiled accusation. Denial hovered on his lips, but he didn't bother. Why should he? He dropped her hand and said gruffly, "Actually, that's why I'm here. We need to talk." Alicia vigorously rubbed her wrist, as though she was trying to erase his touch. "So, are you planning to finally go public with her?" Joshua's expression twisted instantly, his calm facade cracking. "What do you know? Did you have me stalked by a private investigator or something?" Alicia let out a soft, humorless laugh. "Is that necessary? Last night, you spared no expense to make her happy. Even a blind person could tell you're mad about her." He stared at her, unsettled by her icy tone. It was still her voice, still Alicia, but there was something different about her... For some reason, he felt inexplicably hurt, like a thorn pricking his heart. Perhaps it was the way she looked at him now--her eyes, once warm and filled with love for him, were now completely empty. There was no anger, no pain, just... nothing. It was a stark contrast to the woman who used to look at him as if he were her entire world. For reasons he couldn't explain, the sight of her like this stirred something in him, an unfamiliar dissatisfaction. Annoyed by his own reaction, Joshua decided to hit back, his voice harder now. "She's pregnant. It's a delicate pregnancy, so I bought her a little something to lift her spirits." Alicia's fists clenched before she could stop them. Pgnant? So, the nights she had stayed up waiting for him to come home, he'd been with another woman, working diligently to start a new family? Seeing Alicia wince a little, Joshua felt a flicker of satisfaction. "It's not that I don't want to touch you," he said, voice dripping with condescension. "You're just about as thrilling as watching paint dry. No man would want that." His cruel words pierced through Alicia, yet she managed to remain composed on the surface. It wasn't that she avoided intimacy; she just wasn't the one to initiate it. Did that make her so undesirable? Was it a sin? Taking a slow, steady breath, Alicia willed herself to stay calm. "Fine," she replied quietly. "Let's get a divorce then. You can give her the title she wants." The word "divorce" made Joshua's eyelid twitch involuntarily. He scoffed, eyes narrowing with suspicion. "Is this another one of your games?" Convinced he was right, his voice grew colder, more biting. "Alicia, for two years, you've pulled every childish stunt, begging for my attention. Aren't you tired yet? Because I sure as hell am." He paused, letting his disdain sink in. "You claim to love me so much. Could you really walk away from me?" Alicia couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped her. Love him? Did he even understand what that meant? When Joshua's business had crumbled, leaving him with nothing but debt and shattered dreams, it had been Alicia who emptied her savings to pull him from the wreckage. Out of gratitude--or maybe obligation--he had married her. For two long years, she had been the dutiful wife, supporting him as he clawed his way to success. And what had Alicia gotten in return? She had been cast aside like a useless relic, while another woman carried his child. Her love, her loyalty, had been ground into the dirt beneath his feet. To care for this man any longer would be masochism. Her voice steady, Alicia said, "Draft the divorce agreement. I'll agree to whatever terms you want." And with that, she turned and disappeared through the door, leaving Joshua standing alone in the hallway. For a moment, he stared after her angrily, but then a cold, mocking smile tugged at his lips. Fine, she can play the martyr. He doubted she could keep it up for long. Storming out of the house, Joshua headed straight to the apartment where his lover, Lilliana Green, awaited him. "Well, that was fast," she teased upon hearing Joshua was getting a divorce, raising a brow. "Seems she wasn't as tough to deal with as you claimed." "She's cunning," Joshua muttered, the edge of suspicion creeping into his voice. "I don't know if she's actually agreeing to the divorce or just playing me." Lilliana's arms draping lazily around his neck, "Relax, Joshua, even if she changes her mind, it's too late." Joshua's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?" Chapter 3 Letting Go Lilliana's eyes flickered with shadowy intent. She wasn't foolish enough to show her cards now, so she waved it off with an effortless excuse. "During your two-year marriage, she has lived quietly in the shadows as a mere housewife, disconnected from your world. When you're assertive, would she dare to say a word?" Joshua pursed his lips into a hard line. During the past two years, Alicia had indeed done everything for him--given him support and solace. She had loved him fiercely, but at the end of it all, what value did love truly hold? Against all odds, he had clawed his way to the top, and he'd finally grasped the power he craved. That success, however, hadn't come easy, and it wasn't love that secured his position--it was alliances with the powerful. The prestige of the Green family daughter, that title alone, was worth far more than Alicia's devoted love. As these thoughts plagued his mind, Lilliana said happily, "Joshua, congratulations on escaping the grind. Shall we celebrate?" For a moment, Joshua's gaze flickered down to her, but Alicia's indifferent face suddenly flashed before his eyes. Since leaving the house earlier, Alicia hadn't once called him to ask for his whereabouts. Before, if he had been upset with her, she would've called him in a panic. A sharp, inexplicable irritation surged within him. Without thinking, he pushed Lilliana back, "You're only a few weeks' pregnant. Be careful." Lilliana, sharp as ever, sensed he was distracted. "Joshua, what's wrong?" she asked gently. "Don't you want to get divorced?" Joshua's response was instant. "Of course I want to divorce her." Her eyes narrowed as she studied him. "Then why don't you seem very happy?" Joshua offered a quick excuse, his voice steady but distant. "My father's condition has worsened. He doesn't have much time left, and Caden returned last night. He's likely here to claim his inheritance. I need to figure out how to handle him." Lilliana blinked, momentarily thrown. "Caden? Your brother from your father's first marriage? He doesn't even carry the Yates name anymore. What right does he have to fight you for the inheritance?" Joshua's expression darkened. It was true--but at the end of the day, he was still the son of a home-wrecker. All these years of relentless effort had not only been to carve out a name for himself in the Yates family, but to push Caden into the shadows where he belonged. One way or another, Joshua was hell-bent on winning. Meanwhile, Alicia stirred from her sleep. Darkness had already fallen, yet she felt even more drained than before. It was because her dreams revolved around that stranger. when her phone buzzed with a call from Monica did she snap out of her daze. "Alicia, I got your bld test results. I passed them to a friend of mine with some serious connections. He's digging around to see who bought the stuff." Alicia sat up a little straighter, her mind sharpening. "Thanks, Monica. Appreciate it." "If you really want to thank me, do me a favor: stop obsessing over that j*k. And after the divorce, focus on your career. You owe me that much." Alicia's chest warmed, her head lowering in quiet gratitude. "I know, I know." Now that she thought about it, she had come to the realization that her feelings for Joshua had never been pure love--they were born out of a debt, a sense of obligation. Her family's expectations had always weighed heavily on her, and in that lonely, stifled childhood, it was Joshua who had been there. His companionship had nurtured a vague affection she'd confused for love. "Lucky for me, love's never been something I've held onto tightly," Alicia murmured. "These last two years... I'll just see it as repaying his kindness." Monica paused, her usual boldness tempered with thoughtfulness. She knew better than anyone how, once upon a time, Joshua had indeed loved Alicia. But, it turned out love could be a fleeting thing. "Alicia, I really hope you've let go for good," Monica said with a convicted sigh. A sharp pang hit Alicia's chest, her eyes stinging as she fought back the urge to cry. Quickly, she pressed her hand to her eyelids, refusing to let the tears fall. It was only then she noticed something startling. Stunned, she stared at her hand. The wedding ring--something she had once held onto so tightly--was gone. Gone for a whole day and night, and she hadn't even noticed. Suddenly, her heart felt lighter, the weight of everything she'd been carrying beginning to lift. She whispered, more to herself than anyone, "Yes, I've truly let go." ... It didn't take long for Joshua to notice. He had returned to grab something quickly when his eyes fell on her hand. His brow furrowed as he asked, without thinking, "Where's your wedding ring?" Chapter 4 Her Nemesis Alicia's only concern now was leaving Joshua, so she ignored his question and asked flatly, "Are the divorce papers ready yet?" That word again--"divorce". Irritation flickered across Joshua's eyes. "What's the rush?" he snapped, his voice cold and sharp. "My father's finalizing his will, and if word gets out about my divorce, it'll ruin my standing. Now, pack your things--we're having dinner at the Yates Mansion this afternoon." With Caden's return, the family was throwing a welcome-home dinner for him. They also hoped that by doing so, it'd lift the spirits of Jerald Yates, Joshua's father. However, maintaining the charade of a happy marriage was the last thing on Alicia's mind. "I'm not going," she announced curtly. "Just get the divorce finalized and stop wasting my time." Joshua laughed, a sound that held no warmth. "Oh, come on, Alicia. Stop pretending. You hid the ring because you don't actually want to leave me, right? You can't stand the thought of being without me." He leaned in, smirking, and added, "You've worked hard these past two years. Even if we divorce, I'll still take care of you--as long as you keep me happy." Alicia's eyes widened, disbelief turning into anger. Hid the ring? Couldn't bear to be without him? His arrogant words sounded like nails on a chalkboard to Alicia's ears. With a sharp sneer, she shot back, "Oh, Mr. Yates, how could I possibly make you happy? Don't worry, I'll return the ring--wouldn't want this plain Jane to irk you, right? Once you have it, we're finalizing the divorce immediately." But Joshua wasn't fazed by her venom. He thought he knew her too well, convinced this was just another ploy to get his attention. Without thinking too much, he tossed a bag at her. "We've got guests today. Dress appropriately, and don't make me look bad." Alicia looked down at the bag, her mind flashing back to the countless times she had visited the mansion dressed in modest, unassuming clothes-- doing everything to blend in, to please him and his family. But now, with their divorce looming on the horizon, Alicia no longer cared to play the part of a dutiful wife. After slipping into the outfit, she carefully applied a touch of makeup, just enough to bring out the vibrance in her already flawless complexion. The subtle enhancements accentuated her smooth skin and delicate features, lending her a certain glow. When Joshua saw her descending the staircase, he froze for a brief moment, eyes lingering. Perhaps it was the way the dress hugged Alicia's graceful curves, making her seem more alluring than usual. At the entrance of the Yates Mansion, they both slipped into their familiar roles, masking the tension between them with practiced ease. Alicia casually looped her arm through Joshua's, their movements synchronized as they walked into the courtyard. Though Jerald was too ill to receive anyone, the grand hall bustled with life, relatives filling the space with chatter. The noise hummed around her, but for some reason, as soon as Alicia crossed the threshold, a sharp chill pricked at her skin. She instinctively looked up, her gaze immediately drawn to the figure lounging casually at the far end of the room. Legs crossed, dark shirt unbuttoned just enough to reveal a sliver of his collarbone, the man oozed arrogance, his presence commanding. When Alicia's eyes finally met his-- a familiar, authoritative stare that pinned her in place-- her mind raced as emotions began to surge uncontrollably. Joshua noticed the shift in her demeanor, his brows furrowing as he asked, "What's going on with you?" Alicia's breath caught in her throat. One word escaped her lips, barely audible. "Caden?" Just the mention of his name sent a chill down her spine. To her, Caden was the embodiment of her nightmares. Due to their families' friendship, their paths first crossed at the tender age of ten. Caden, having taken a year off, transferred to her school, and from that moment, Alicia's perfect world began to unravel. She could no longer claim the top spot. No matter how relentless her efforts, no matter how late she stayed up studying, Caden was always a step ahead. He would outscore her by the smallest of margins--a point, maybe two--leaving her perpetually stranded in second place. Anyone else might have accepted defeat, settled into the role of runner-up. But not Alicia. Born into the once prestigious Bennett family, she was raised under the suffocating weight of living up to her family name. Excellence wasn't just a goal--it was the currency by which she could earn her parents' affection. Failure was not an option, yet Caden had the audacity to snatch away everything she'd worked for with what seemed like effortless ease. It was as if he'd set his sights on her from the very beginning, and Alicia, stubborn to a fault, refused to back down. Their rivalry spanned over a decade, a relentless battle fought both openly and in the shadows, and their final showdown took place in college, just before their graduation, at the national competition. Alicia poured her heart and soul into that moment, her focus razor-sharp as she aimed for nothing less than perfection. And she achieved it, having garnered a perfect score. But Caden, ever the serpent, had bribed the judges, twisting the results in his favor. Alicia was forced, once again, into second place. The sting of injustice was deep, but the harshest blow came from her father, Phil Bennett. Over the phone, his voice dripped with disappointment in her ranking. Alicia, having grown accustomed to his tirades, said nothing. She waited for his anger to ebb, then asked quietly, "I'm graduating soon. Will you come back?" Her mother, Donna, had always been her softer solace. She comforted Alicia that day, promising they'd be there for her graduation. But life had other plans. Phil and Donna, rushing back from Itrubisite to attend the graduation, perished in a tragic plane crash. Overnight, Alicia's world crumbled, left an orphan in this cruel world. Since that day, she had never challenged Caden again. Afterward, Caden left Warrington to build his career overseas. ... "He's back for the inheritance," Joshua muttered, his voice barely audible. Alicia cast him a sidelong glance as he continued, "With a family empire as big as ours, an eldest son like him wouldn't give up so easily." Her brow furrowed slightly. It was true--the Yates empire was massive, a legacy most would kill for. But Caden had accumulated his own fortune, surpassing even the family's vast wealth. Did he really care about the inheritance? Then again, this was Caden. Competing was in his blood. Even if he didn't care about the fortune itself, he'd fight tooth and nail just to win, to toy with everyone else. The man had a knack for stirring chaos purely for his own amusement. Alicia had been his rival for as long as she could remember, and even now, the thought of giving him so much as a glance felt like a waste of energy. She turned to walk away. But Joshua caught her wrist, his grip firm yet tense. "I know you two don't get along," he said. "But he's still my elder brother. We need to maintain appearances." Her body stiffened at the touch, and she immediately tried to pull her hand free. Joshua's frown deepened. "Alicia, behave," he hissed. Irritation flared in her chest. "I'm not refusing to go in. Just let go of me first. I don't want your filthy hands touching me." A flicker of something dark passed over Joshua's face, and instead of releasing her, he intertwined their fingers, squeezing them tight. Alicia bit her tongue, silently fuming. As they neared, Caden's gaze slowly lifted, his eyes narrowing in a lazy, almost bored assessment of them. "Caden," Joshua greeted, his tone strained, meeting his brother's gaze with forced cordiality. Caden's eyes flicked to their entwined hands, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Your girlfriend?" he asked indifferently, as though he didn't recognize Alicia. Chapter 5 We Meet Again So Soon Alicia's nerves coiled tight like a spring. That voice... Her messy thoughts blurred into chaos, but one thing broke through the haze--Joshua's calm declaration. "Alicia and I have been married for two years now. She cares about me, so we kept it low-key. Just went straight for the registration; no ceremony. You were busy abroad at the time, so we didn't bother you." Caden arched a brow, his voice laced with venomous mockery. "Oh, so she's my sister-in-law." The way he spat the words "sister-in-law" felt more like a sap than a title, leaving no doubt about his contempt for her. Alicia could feel the man's sneer underneath every syllable. And all this was thanks to her so-called husband, Joshua. Her hand trembled as she snatched a tissue, vigorously wiping her hand. "Looks like Alicia's a bit of a germophobe," Caden observed, his tone a casual jab at her disgust. Joshua's expression darkened, the tension between them thickening. He hadn't expected her to humiliate him like this. "It seems I've spoiled her too much," he muttered, his voice low and tight with irritation. Caden's eyes gleamed with a dangerous glint. "If it's a serious condition, she should get treated. It could impact her role as a mother. You know how badly our father has wanted a grandchild." At this, something flickered across Joshua's eyes. Even though Alicia, his wife, was right beside him, he went ahead and lied through his teeth. "Thanks for the concern, Caden, but I already have good news for Dad. I just haven't gotten around to telling him yet." Caden's smirk deepened, his gaze flicking toward Alicia, who was about done with the bullshit of a charade. She quietly excused herself and strode off. "How far along is she?" he asked meaningfully. "Doesn't seem like she's pregnant." Joshua didn't miss a beat. "Just a month." The answer was as much a threat as it was an announcement. Now, the inheritance stakes had just been raised, and Jerald, ever focused on continuing the family line, would certainly take his unborn grandchild into consideration. Caden's smile hardened, and Joshua delivered the final blow with a smug undertone. "You'd better catch up, Caden. I can't always be one step ahead." Caden, unfazed, waved his hand lazily. "No rush." ... Alicia stepped onto the terrace, the cool night breeze washing over her skin. She drank in the fresh air hungrily to steady her nerves. Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed the manager of the private cinema again. "Have you found the ring?" she asked anxiously. The manager hesitated, sounding troubled. "Ms. Bennett, we've searched thoroughly and questioned all the staff, but... we really couldn't find any ring." "Then..." Alicia clenched her fist, her mind racing. "Do you have the contact details of the guest who booked the room that day?" "I'm sorry, but due to our privacy policy, we can't disclose any information on our clients." Her heart sank. "I see," she sighed with resignation. "Please tell me immediately if anything turns up, okay?" In a perfect world, she could've just bought an identical ring and pass it off for the original. Unfortunately, Joshua had that ring custom-made, and it wasn't easy to replicate. After dinner, it started to rain. The relatives began to trickle out one by one. Joshua stood by her side as they made their way to the car, his eyes trailing down to her bare wrist. "If you liked that bracelet at the auction, then I can buy you something like it," he said coolly. Alicia had to resist the urge to roll her eyes sardonically. She didn't believe for a second that Joshua had a change of heart towards her. "Trying to buy my silence, huh?" Her words were sharp, slicing right through Joshua's tender facade. "No need. I have no desire to be tangled up in your affairs." Joshua hadn't intended to sound like that, but her mocking tone struck a nerve. His jaw clenched, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. "Fine. Don't take it. The money I spend on you is a waste anyway." Alicia bit the inside of her cheek before adding firmly, "Joshua, I already told you. I'm willing to leave this marriage empty-handed. Let's sign the divorce papers tomorrow morning and end this once and for all." His smile twisted into something dark, something dangerous. "What about the ring?" "I lost it." Joshua's eyes narrowed, his tone unrelenting. "I don't care about anything else. I want the ring." She could barely contain her frustration, her breath hitching as he delivered his final blow. "If you can't find it," he said coldly, "I'll assume you're holding onto it because you still care about me." Just then, Joshua's phone rang; it was Lilliana calling. "Joshua." She mewled his name pitifully. "The thunder is so loud. I'm scared to sleep alone... Can you come over?" The car wasn't heading anywhere near Lilliana's and Joshua was furious with Alicia, so without a second thought, he kicked her out into the rain and sped off. He didn't even leave her an umbrella. Alicia stood frozen by the roadside, the downpour quickly soaking through her clothes. The cold rain seeped into her bones, chilling her to the core. Gritting her chattering teeth, she swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth and began trudging along the drenched pavement. Behind her, the soft hum of an engine crept closer. A sleek, low-profile Maybach rolled up beside her, its headlights cutting through the rain. "Mr. Ward," the driver said, glancing back, "I believe that's Ms. Bennett." The car slowed to a stop. Caden glanced out the window, his sharp eyes narrowing on Alicia's lonesome figure. She had just paused, her fingers gathering the fabric of her soaked dress, tying it up to ease her stride. Caden's lips curled into a faint. "Invite her inside," he drawled. The car came to a halt next to Alicia. The driver stepped out, holding a large umbrella over her head, his voice polite. "Ms. Bennett, it's hard to find a cab at this hour. May I offer you a ride home?" Alicia's eyes flicked up, recognizing the man as the Yates family's driver. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, her voice soft but steady. "Thank you. Sorry for the inconvenience." However, as soon as she slipped into the backseat of the car, she locked eyes with its other passenger--Caden. "We meet again so soon, sister-in-law?" His voice, smooth as velvet, carried a hint of mischief. ...... What happens next? 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2,618,254	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Read next chapter	She and her stepsister fell in love with the same man, but when he knelt down to beg her to save her stepsister, she felt desperate. She demanded to become his wife to save her stepsister. Two years later, when she got the divorce agreement as scheduled, she realized that she had ended up losing everything. ===== Emma Cooper boarded her flight home after three grueling months of filming. Today was also the final day of Emma's contractual marriage. The four-hour journey felt endless, but at last, the plane touched down. Once she retrieved her suitcase, she made her way toward the exit, expecting a company car. But as soon as the doors slid open, she spotted someone familiar--Edwin Reid, the Jenner family's long-time driver. He stood by a sleek black Rolls-Royce, his posture rigid and respectful, waiting. Dragging her suitcase, she approached. Edwin immediately took over, wordlessly opening the car door for her. Inside, a man sat in silence. His presence was cold yet commanding, encased in a perfectly tailored black suit. His sharply chiseled face devoid of any expression, he didn't look up--not even a glance her way. It was Ricky Jenner, her husband of two years. His unexpected appearance caught her off guard, though she quickly remembered why he was here. Their arrangement was ending today. Of course, he would show up. Emma slid into the car, maintaining a careful distance, the space between them as silent and tense as ever. For two years, Ricky had made it clear--he didn't want her close. Tonight was the first time they had been seated so near, and the closeness felt foreign. The faint scent of his cologne lingered between them, familiar but distant, like everything about him. Edwin quietly loaded her suitcase into the trunk and slid back behind the wheel. As the car pulled away from the airport, the silence inside grew suffocating. Ricky's expression remained as cold and distant as ever, his presence casting a shadow over the space. Emma's heart raced, each breath coming in shallow, uneasy waves. Twenty minutes later, the Rolls-Royce rolled to a stop in front of the Jenner family's grand estate. Before Emma could collect her thoughts, the butler rushed out, swiftly opening the door. Ricky stepped out first, his long strides carrying him toward the house without so much as a glance in her direction. "Let's go to the study," he muttered, his tone clipped, not even bothering to slow his pace. Emma's nerves had been on edge the entire ride. She knew what was coming. The moment she entered the study, she saw Ricky pull out a stack of papers from the desk drawer, tossing them in front of her. "Let's get a divorce," he said. Emma's heart twisted painfully in her chest, but she remained composed. She had loved Ricky for ten years, and wearing the title of Mrs. Jenner had never brought her closer to his heart. His body, his soul--none of him had ever belonged to her. "Nicola is old enough to marry now, isn't she?" Emma said, her voice trembling despite her best effort to keep it steady. Ricky's brow twitched slightly, a flicker of impatience crossing his sharp features. He didn't bother responding to her comment. Instead, he immediately extended the pen toward her, a silent demand. Emma forced a smile, but it felt like a crack in her mask. Without her usual makeup, her lips looked pale, and her face seemed drained of life. The exhaustion was undeniable. "Just sign it," Ricky said, emotionless and firm. She accepted the pen and, without sparing a glance at the contents of the contract, flipped to the last page and signed her name. The act felt final, yet hollow. As she placed the pen down, Emma glanced up at Ricky. His eyes, still striking, stared back at her with an icy detachment that sent a shiver through her. It was as if he was looking at a stranger, not his wife. "It's getting late. I'll move out tomorrow, if that's alright?" Emma asked, her voice fragile, her smile tense as she searched Ricky's face for even a shred of warmth. But Ricky's response came swift and sharp, dashing any hope. "Edwin will take you to a hotel." Was he really sending her away this very moment? Not even allowing her the courtesy of one last night under this roof? Her forced smile faltered, then vanished altogether. The silence between them stretched, heavy. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment before she turned away, her heart hardening with each step as she left the room. In her bedroom, Emma took the suitcase she hadn't even had the chance to unpack. When she dragged her suitcase downstairs, the maids rushed to help, but she waved them off, her smile weary. "Thank you, but I can handle it." They exchanged helpless glances, standing quietly in a line as they watched her approach the door. In the two years she had spent in this house, Emma had grown to care for the people here. Everyone, except Ricky, had shown her warmth. A pang of sorrow hit her, but after enduring two years of emotional isolation, she no longer had the strength to fight. It was over. Time to move on, and finally, let go. Despite the searing pain ripping through her chest, Emma remained dry-eyed. She had learned how to hide her emotions well. As she slid into the backseat of the car, she forced herself to appear composed. Edwin drove her through the city streets and dropped her off at a five-star hotel. Without a word, he left. Inside, Emma checked in and powered on her phone, which had been off for hours. There was a missed call from her father, Colby Cooper. She inhaled deeply, bracing herself as she dialed his number. Colby picked up almost immediately. "Emma, Nicola's condition has worsened," he said, his voice rough, weighed down with exhaustion and worry. Emma's heart skipped a beat. "What? When did this happen?" "About a week ago." "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she asked. "You were busy filming. I didn't want to burden you," Colby explained. Emma paused, the silence between them heavy. Her mind flashed back to two years ago, when she had donated her bone marrow to save Nicola Cooper. The realization hit her--she knew exactly why her father was calling. "What do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice steady but resigned. "No, there's nothing you need to do. Ricky's already taken care of everything--he's brought in top doctors, and the hospital found a bone marrow match for Nicola from the registry. You just need to visit when you can," Colby said. Emma stayed silent, her chest tightening. Colby, sensing her hesitation, gave her Nicola's room number and urged her to come soon, mentioning how much Nicola missed her. A sharp pain gripped her heart. She managed a weak "okay" before quickly ending the call, unable to hear more. That night felt endless. She tossed and turned on the unfamiliar hotel bed, her mind racing. By 2 a.m., she gave in, ordering a bottle of red wne. She drank most of it before finally drifting off into a fitful sleep. The next morning, close to noon, Emma was jolted awake by her phone ringing. Her agent's voice was quick and urgent on the other end. She pitched the idea of her joining a popular rural reality show--one that guaranteed fame for all who participated. "I'm not interested. I need a break," she replied, her voice groggy with exhaustion. Her agent snapped, clearly frustrated, "A break? Do you think you can take a break whenever you feel like it? Look, you've been in this industry for three years. You've turned down intimate scenes, refused reality shows and avoided any publicity stunts with male celebrities. The company has bent over backward to accommodate you! But what now?" Her voice grew sharper. "Three years in, and you still lack ambition. Keep this up, and your career will be done." "Then let it be done." "Emma, you..." Her agent's voice was cut off as Emma ended the call without hesitation. The frustration simmered inside her, but she didn't dwell on it. She headed straight to the bathroom, ignoring the incessant buzzing of her phone. After a long shower, feeling slightly more clear-headed, she decided to reach out to Jenifer Howard, a close friend she hadn't seen for a while. Emma asked if she could stay at Jenifer's place for a few days. Jenifer was thrilled and agreed, coming over to pick her up almost immediately. Once settled at Jenifer's, Emma unpacked her things and shared a quiet meal with her friend. That afternoon, she made her way to Ecatin General Hospital. Standing outside Nicola's room, Emma watched through the glass as the caregiver tried feeding her sister. Nicola, frail and pale, managed only a few bites before she began to retch. Emma's chest tightened with a sorrow she couldn't fully articulate. Nicola was her half-sister, five years younger and barely twenty now. They had been inseparable as children; Nicola had always looked up to her, following her everywhere. But everything changed when they both fell in love with Ricky. Two years ago, when Nicola was first diagnosed with leukemia, Ricky had been beside himself with worry. That was when the truth hit Emma--Ricky didn't love her. His heart belonged to Nicola. Chapter 2 You Don't Deserve To Be Around Nicola Back then, Emma's blod test results had come back clear--there were no complications, no signs of rejection. She could save Nicola. In truth, Emma wouldn't have hesitated to donate her bone marrow to a stranger, let alone her own sister. But before she could even voice her decision, Ricky had already thought of her as cold and indifferent, assuming she wouldn't step up to save Nicola. He was so desperate that he even knelt before her, pleading for her help--a sight that shattered Emma's heart. Never in her life had she seen Ricky humble himself for anyone like that. She had known Ricky since they were kids. From elementary school to high school, they had been inseparable. Childhood sweethearts, as some might have called them. Ricky used to get into fights with other boys just to defend her, and he would stay up late into the night to help her prepare for exams. She had believed, naively, that after all those years of being by his side, she would eventually earn his love. But she was wrong. Feelings, she had come to understand, were never won by logic or time. Emma was never as good at acting cute or knowing exactly how to please Ricky as Nicola. While he cared for both of them, the way he doted on Nicola was always more tender, more genuine. He must have loved her deeply. The thought pierced Emma's heart, and her eyes stung with unshed tears. What hurt most wasn't just Ricky's love for Nicola but the fact that he had assumed she was heartless enough to let her sister die. That judgment, so harsh and wrong, had infuriated her. In a moment of blind anger, she had demanded that Ricky marry her. She wanted to be his wife. Even though the marriage would only last two year, she had believed--foolishly--that it would be enough time for Ricky to fall in love with her. But reality, sharp and unforgiving, had torn that hope apart. She had lost. Miserably. "You still have the nerve to show your face here?" A biting voice yanked Emma out of her thoughts. Emma quickly wiped away her tears and turned to see Verena Cooper standing behind her, her expression instantly turning cold. Verena, her stepmother, was forty but looked a decade younger. With her perfectly styled hair and chic designer clothes, she exuded elegance and control. When Emma was still mourning the loss of her mother, Verena, who had been the family's servant, got pregnant. The father of the baby was Colby. "Spare me the crocodile tears!" Verena sneered, brushing past Emma as she entered the hospital room. Emma swallowed her frustration and followed behind, forcing herself to remain composed. When Nicola saw her, a faint light flickered in her otherwise tired eyes. "Emma," she said softly, a trace of warmth in her voice. Emma smiled, walking over to gently take Nicola's hand. "I heard you've been missing me." Nicola nodded, her expression gentle. "I haven't seen you for three months. I really missed you." Emma's heart twisted painfully. Nicola, with her innocence and kindness, made everything so much more difficult. How could her own sister, the one she'd loved and cared for, be the one standing between her and the man she longed for? When Nicola had fallen ill, Emma had crossed a line she could never uncross--using that tragedy to secure her place as Mrs. Jenner. She had expected Nicola to resent her for it, maybe even despise her. In her mind, their meetings would be cold, filled with resentment and distance. But Nicola still cared about her as though nothing had changed. And that was the hardest part of all. Every time Emma looked at her sister, the guilt became unbearable. "I'm taking a break right now, so I've got plenty of time to spend with you," Emma said, her eyes still red from emotion, but she forced a smile. Nicola's face lit up. "That's amazing! I want you to visit me every day until I'm discharged, okay?" "Of course, I'll be here every day," Emma replied warmly. From the side, Verena rolled her eyes, glaring at Emma with open contempt. She held her tongue for Nicola's sake, but every time she looked at Emma, her anger flared. She couldn't forget how Nicola had become a shell of herself when Ricky married Emma. Fighting her bitterness, Verena coaxed Nicola to sleep. Once Nicola was asleep, she turned to Emma, her voice cold. "Ricky's coming soon to see Nicola. If you don't want an uncomfortable scene, you'd better go." Emma stood silently, taking in her words. After one last glance at Nicola, now peacefully asleep, she turned and headed for the door. Just as she reached the doorway, Verena's voice cut through the air once more. "Don't bother coming back. After everything you've done to her, you don't deserve to be around Nicola." Emma didn't say a word. She walked out, her steps heavy with the weight of a truth she'd long grown accustomed to carrying. Emma quietly closed the door behind her and collapsed onto a bench in the corridor. She buried her face in her hands as tears flowed uncontrollably, her body shaking with silent sobs. Jenifer had been waiting outside in the car for far too long. Concerned, she decided to head into the hospital to check on Emma. When she entered the corridor and saw Emma hunched over on the bench, looking utterly defeated, Jenifer was about to rush over when she noticed Ricky stepping out of the elevator. He paused when he spotted Emma, but after a brief pause, he walked toward her. Emma had been following Ricky everywhere since childhood; she knew the sound of his footsteps anywhere. Hearing that familiar rhythm, she quickly wiped her face and tried to compose herself, though the effort felt futile. "Are you here to see Nicola?" she asked, forcing a smile as she looked up at him. Her eyes were swollen from crying, with streaks of smudged makeup on her face. She looked fragile, a shadow of her usual self. Ricky's response was indifferent. "You've already visited her?" "Yes," Emma whispered. For a moment, something in her appearance must have stirred a hint of sympathy, because Ricky, in an unusual display of kindness, added softly, "Don't worry. Nicola will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant soon. She'll get better soon enough." "I know." With just those words, Ricky simply turned to push open the door to Nicola's room. But before he could step inside, Emma couldn't help but call after him, "Please, take good care of her." If she couldn't have him, then maybe it was time to let go, to give him back to Nicola--the one he truly loved. Ricky paused, his hand on the door. Without turning to face her, he replied in a voice laced with restrained anger, "I don't need you to remind me. I'll take care of her." His words were sharp, each syllable weighted with frustration. Emma flinched. She had already signed the divorce papers, freeing him from their hollow marriage, giving him the chance to return to Nicola. This was what he had always wanted, wasn't it? So why did he still seem so furious with her? Was he really that eager to be rid of her? Did he hate her that much? Ricky disappeared into the room, but Emma remained frozen on the bench, her eyes locked on the closed door. She felt hollow, lost in the emptiness of it all. Jenifer, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't bear it any longer. She rushed over, gently pulling Emma to her feet and dragging her away from the hospital ward. In the days that followed, Emma continued visiting the hospital, but she no longer went inside Nicola's room. She only stood by the door, looking through the glass to catch a glimpse of her sister. Sometimes she would see Ricky taking Nicola for walks outside, their closeness painfully clear. From afar, she would watch, a quiet spectator to the life she had no part in. Ricky's coldness toward her was always in stark contrast to his gentle care for Nicola, a contrast that left Emma with a deep, aching wound that never seemed to heal. A month later, Nicola successfully underwent her bone marrow transplant. There were no signs of rejection or complications, and her recovery was progressing smoothly. For the first time in a long while, Emma felt a sense of relief. In the past month, Ricky spent nearly all his time at the hospital, constantly by Nicola's side. He seemed to have forgotten about going to the courthouse with her to finalize the divorce. Emma had watched enough of his affection toward Nicola. She was ready to close this chapter, ready to walk away and rebuild her life. That day, she made up her mind to call him. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before Ricky finally picked up. "What is it?" he asked, his tone as cold and detached as ever. Emma didn't hesitate. "When are we going to finalize the divorce?" There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line. When Ricky finally spoke again, his voice was distant, but his words caught her off guard. "I haven't signed the papers yet." Her heart skipped a beat. After all this time, he still hadn't signed the divorce papers? Emma froze for a moment, her mind racing. Why hadn't Ricky signed the papers yet? Could he have changed his mind? Was there a possibility he no longer wanted the divorce? The thought was fleeting and absurd, and she quickly dismissed it. Ricky had always wanted to be free of her. Now that Nicola was recovering and old enough to marry, there was no reason for him to hold on. This delay couldn't possibly mean anything different. "Meet me at the courthouse tomorrow at nine," she said, her tone sharp, leaving no room for discussion before hanging up the phone. Meanwhile, in Ricky's office. For two years, Ricky had been waiting for this moment--the end of their marriage. The divorce papers had been drawn up months ago, prepared by his assistant, ready for the final signatures that would sever their ties for good. He had thought the moment he signed would bring relief, a clean break. But after Emma had actually signed them, something gnawed at him. A strange unease he couldn't shake. Ricky wasn't sure anymore, not even of himself. He wasn't something to be traded or handed over between two women. His decisions were his own--no one else had the right to make them for him. He calmly finished his work, then pulled the divorce papers from his desk drawer and tore them to pieces. "Divorce?" Ricky's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "It's not that simple. The game has just begun." ...... ==== Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/	1,272	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-enj103_2-1101-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120213213609410604	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466090142_1294246688399456_7732654772195707668_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xAzl3bJrJQcQ7kNvgElhVuX&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=AxjnBDScnEQX3PK1r20I51Z&oh=00_AYCAJeDwMjGDhOStEVGa5O0XfOsUXUx7cdV40z6GK95tWw&oe=675CD9AD	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,618,259	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Read next chapter	She and her stepsister fell in love with the same man, but when he knelt down to beg her to save her stepsister, she felt desperate. She demanded to become his wife to save her stepsister. Two years later, when she got the divorce agreement as scheduled, she realized that she had ended up losing everything. ===== Emma Cooper boarded her flight home after three grueling months of filming. Today was also the final day of Emma's contractual marriage. The four-hour journey felt endless, but at last, the plane touched down. Once she retrieved her suitcase, she made her way toward the exit, expecting a company car. But as soon as the doors slid open, she spotted someone familiar--Edwin Reid, the Jenner family's long-time driver. He stood by a sleek black Rolls-Royce, his posture rigid and respectful, waiting. Dragging her suitcase, she approached. Edwin immediately took over, wordlessly opening the car door for her. Inside, a man sat in silence. His presence was cold yet commanding, encased in a perfectly tailored black suit. His sharply chiseled face devoid of any expression, he didn't look up--not even a glance her way. It was Ricky Jenner, her husband of two years. His unexpected appearance caught her off guard, though she quickly remembered why he was here. Their arrangement was ending today. Of course, he would show up. Emma slid into the car, maintaining a careful distance, the space between them as silent and tense as ever. For two years, Ricky had made it clear--he didn't want her close. Tonight was the first time they had been seated so near, and the closeness felt foreign. The faint scent of his cologne lingered between them, familiar but distant, like everything about him. Edwin quietly loaded her suitcase into the trunk and slid back behind the wheel. As the car pulled away from the airport, the silence inside grew suffocating. Ricky's expression remained as cold and distant as ever, his presence casting a shadow over the space. Emma's heart raced, each breath coming in shallow, uneasy waves. Twenty minutes later, the Rolls-Royce rolled to a stop in front of the Jenner family's grand estate. Before Emma could collect her thoughts, the butler rushed out, swiftly opening the door. Ricky stepped out first, his long strides carrying him toward the house without so much as a glance in her direction. "Let's go to the study," he muttered, his tone clipped, not even bothering to slow his pace. Emma's nerves had been on edge the entire ride. She knew what was coming. The moment she entered the study, she saw Ricky pull out a stack of papers from the desk drawer, tossing them in front of her. "Let's get a divorce," he said. Emma's heart twisted painfully in her chest, but she remained composed. She had loved Ricky for ten years, and wearing the title of Mrs. Jenner had never brought her closer to his heart. His body, his soul--none of him had ever belonged to her. "Nicola is old enough to marry now, isn't she?" Emma said, her voice trembling despite her best effort to keep it steady. Ricky's brow twitched slightly, a flicker of impatience crossing his sharp features. He didn't bother responding to her comment. Instead, he immediately extended the pen toward her, a silent demand. Emma forced a smile, but it felt like a crack in her mask. Without her usual makeup, her lips looked pale, and her face seemed drained of life. The exhaustion was undeniable. "Just sign it," Ricky said, emotionless and firm. She accepted the pen and, without sparing a glance at the contents of the contract, flipped to the last page and signed her name. The act felt final, yet hollow. As she placed the pen down, Emma glanced up at Ricky. His eyes, still striking, stared back at her with an icy detachment that sent a shiver through her. It was as if he was looking at a stranger, not his wife. "It's getting late. I'll move out tomorrow, if that's alright?" Emma asked, her voice fragile, her smile tense as she searched Ricky's face for even a shred of warmth. But Ricky's response came swift and sharp, dashing any hope. "Edwin will take you to a hotel." Was he really sending her away this very moment? Not even allowing her the courtesy of one last night under this roof? Her forced smile faltered, then vanished altogether. The silence between them stretched, heavy. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment before she turned away, her heart hardening with each step as she left the room. In her bedroom, Emma took the suitcase she hadn't even had the chance to unpack. When she dragged her suitcase downstairs, the maids rushed to help, but she waved them off, her smile weary. "Thank you, but I can handle it." They exchanged helpless glances, standing quietly in a line as they watched her approach the door. In the two years she had spent in this house, Emma had grown to care for the people here. Everyone, except Ricky, had shown her warmth. A pang of sorrow hit her, but after enduring two years of emotional isolation, she no longer had the strength to fight. It was over. Time to move on, and finally, let go. Despite the searing pain ripping through her chest, Emma remained dry-eyed. She had learned how to hide her emotions well. As she slid into the backseat of the car, she forced herself to appear composed. Edwin drove her through the city streets and dropped her off at a five-star hotel. Without a word, he left. Inside, Emma checked in and powered on her phone, which had been off for hours. There was a missed call from her father, Colby Cooper. She inhaled deeply, bracing herself as she dialed his number. Colby picked up almost immediately. "Emma, Nicola's condition has worsened," he said, his voice rough, weighed down with exhaustion and worry. Emma's heart skipped a beat. "What? When did this happen?" "About a week ago." "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she asked. "You were busy filming. I didn't want to burden you," Colby explained. Emma paused, the silence between them heavy. Her mind flashed back to two years ago, when she had donated her bone marrow to save Nicola Cooper. The realization hit her--she knew exactly why her father was calling. "What do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice steady but resigned. "No, there's nothing you need to do. Ricky's already taken care of everything--he's brought in top doctors, and the hospital found a bone marrow match for Nicola from the registry. You just need to visit when you can," Colby said. Emma stayed silent, her chest tightening. Colby, sensing her hesitation, gave her Nicola's room number and urged her to come soon, mentioning how much Nicola missed her. A sharp pain gripped her heart. She managed a weak "okay" before quickly ending the call, unable to hear more. That night felt endless. She tossed and turned on the unfamiliar hotel bed, her mind racing. By 2 a.m., she gave in, ordering a bottle of red wne. She drank most of it before finally drifting off into a fitful sleep. The next morning, close to noon, Emma was jolted awake by her phone ringing. Her agent's voice was quick and urgent on the other end. She pitched the idea of her joining a popular rural reality show--one that guaranteed fame for all who participated. "I'm not interested. I need a break," she replied, her voice groggy with exhaustion. Her agent snapped, clearly frustrated, "A break? Do you think you can take a break whenever you feel like it? Look, you've been in this industry for three years. You've turned down intimate scenes, refused reality shows and avoided any publicity stunts with male celebrities. The company has bent over backward to accommodate you! But what now?" Her voice grew sharper. "Three years in, and you still lack ambition. Keep this up, and your career will be done." "Then let it be done." "Emma, you..." Her agent's voice was cut off as Emma ended the call without hesitation. The frustration simmered inside her, but she didn't dwell on it. She headed straight to the bathroom, ignoring the incessant buzzing of her phone. After a long shower, feeling slightly more clear-headed, she decided to reach out to Jenifer Howard, a close friend she hadn't seen for a while. Emma asked if she could stay at Jenifer's place for a few days. Jenifer was thrilled and agreed, coming over to pick her up almost immediately. Once settled at Jenifer's, Emma unpacked her things and shared a quiet meal with her friend. That afternoon, she made her way to Ecatin General Hospital. Standing outside Nicola's room, Emma watched through the glass as the caregiver tried feeding her sister. Nicola, frail and pale, managed only a few bites before she began to retch. Emma's chest tightened with a sorrow she couldn't fully articulate. Nicola was her half-sister, five years younger and barely twenty now. They had been inseparable as children; Nicola had always looked up to her, following her everywhere. But everything changed when they both fell in love with Ricky. Two years ago, when Nicola was first diagnosed with leukemia, Ricky had been beside himself with worry. That was when the truth hit Emma--Ricky didn't love her. His heart belonged to Nicola. Chapter 2 You Don't Deserve To Be Around Nicola Back then, Emma's blod test results had come back clear--there were no complications, no signs of rejection. She could save Nicola. In truth, Emma wouldn't have hesitated to donate her bone marrow to a stranger, let alone her own sister. But before she could even voice her decision, Ricky had already thought of her as cold and indifferent, assuming she wouldn't step up to save Nicola. He was so desperate that he even knelt before her, pleading for her help--a sight that shattered Emma's heart. Never in her life had she seen Ricky humble himself for anyone like that. She had known Ricky since they were kids. From elementary school to high school, they had been inseparable. Childhood sweethearts, as some might have called them. Ricky used to get into fights with other boys just to defend her, and he would stay up late into the night to help her prepare for exams. She had believed, naively, that after all those years of being by his side, she would eventually earn his love. But she was wrong. Feelings, she had come to understand, were never won by logic or time. Emma was never as good at acting cute or knowing exactly how to please Ricky as Nicola. While he cared for both of them, the way he doted on Nicola was always more tender, more genuine. He must have loved her deeply. The thought pierced Emma's heart, and her eyes stung with unshed tears. What hurt most wasn't just Ricky's love for Nicola but the fact that he had assumed she was heartless enough to let her sister die. That judgment, so harsh and wrong, had infuriated her. In a moment of blind anger, she had demanded that Ricky marry her. She wanted to be his wife. Even though the marriage would only last two year, she had believed--foolishly--that it would be enough time for Ricky to fall in love with her. But reality, sharp and unforgiving, had torn that hope apart. She had lost. Miserably. "You still have the nerve to show your face here?" A biting voice yanked Emma out of her thoughts. Emma quickly wiped away her tears and turned to see Verena Cooper standing behind her, her expression instantly turning cold. Verena, her stepmother, was forty but looked a decade younger. With her perfectly styled hair and chic designer clothes, she exuded elegance and control. When Emma was still mourning the loss of her mother, Verena, who had been the family's servant, got pregnant. The father of the baby was Colby. "Spare me the crocodile tears!" Verena sneered, brushing past Emma as she entered the hospital room. Emma swallowed her frustration and followed behind, forcing herself to remain composed. When Nicola saw her, a faint light flickered in her otherwise tired eyes. "Emma," she said softly, a trace of warmth in her voice. Emma smiled, walking over to gently take Nicola's hand. "I heard you've been missing me." Nicola nodded, her expression gentle. "I haven't seen you for three months. I really missed you." Emma's heart twisted painfully. Nicola, with her innocence and kindness, made everything so much more difficult. How could her own sister, the one she'd loved and cared for, be the one standing between her and the man she longed for? When Nicola had fallen ill, Emma had crossed a line she could never uncross--using that tragedy to secure her place as Mrs. Jenner. She had expected Nicola to resent her for it, maybe even despise her. In her mind, their meetings would be cold, filled with resentment and distance. But Nicola still cared about her as though nothing had changed. And that was the hardest part of all. Every time Emma looked at her sister, the guilt became unbearable. "I'm taking a break right now, so I've got plenty of time to spend with you," Emma said, her eyes still red from emotion, but she forced a smile. Nicola's face lit up. "That's amazing! I want you to visit me every day until I'm discharged, okay?" "Of course, I'll be here every day," Emma replied warmly. From the side, Verena rolled her eyes, glaring at Emma with open contempt. She held her tongue for Nicola's sake, but every time she looked at Emma, her anger flared. She couldn't forget how Nicola had become a shell of herself when Ricky married Emma. Fighting her bitterness, Verena coaxed Nicola to sleep. Once Nicola was asleep, she turned to Emma, her voice cold. "Ricky's coming soon to see Nicola. If you don't want an uncomfortable scene, you'd better go." Emma stood silently, taking in her words. After one last glance at Nicola, now peacefully asleep, she turned and headed for the door. Just as she reached the doorway, Verena's voice cut through the air once more. "Don't bother coming back. After everything you've done to her, you don't deserve to be around Nicola." Emma didn't say a word. She walked out, her steps heavy with the weight of a truth she'd long grown accustomed to carrying. Emma quietly closed the door behind her and collapsed onto a bench in the corridor. She buried her face in her hands as tears flowed uncontrollably, her body shaking with silent sobs. Jenifer had been waiting outside in the car for far too long. Concerned, she decided to head into the hospital to check on Emma. When she entered the corridor and saw Emma hunched over on the bench, looking utterly defeated, Jenifer was about to rush over when she noticed Ricky stepping out of the elevator. He paused when he spotted Emma, but after a brief pause, he walked toward her. Emma had been following Ricky everywhere since childhood; she knew the sound of his footsteps anywhere. Hearing that familiar rhythm, she quickly wiped her face and tried to compose herself, though the effort felt futile. "Are you here to see Nicola?" she asked, forcing a smile as she looked up at him. Her eyes were swollen from crying, with streaks of smudged makeup on her face. She looked fragile, a shadow of her usual self. Ricky's response was indifferent. "You've already visited her?" "Yes," Emma whispered. For a moment, something in her appearance must have stirred a hint of sympathy, because Ricky, in an unusual display of kindness, added softly, "Don't worry. Nicola will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant soon. She'll get better soon enough." "I know." With just those words, Ricky simply turned to push open the door to Nicola's room. But before he could step inside, Emma couldn't help but call after him, "Please, take good care of her." If she couldn't have him, then maybe it was time to let go, to give him back to Nicola--the one he truly loved. Ricky paused, his hand on the door. Without turning to face her, he replied in a voice laced with restrained anger, "I don't need you to remind me. I'll take care of her." His words were sharp, each syllable weighted with frustration. Emma flinched. She had already signed the divorce papers, freeing him from their hollow marriage, giving him the chance to return to Nicola. This was what he had always wanted, wasn't it? So why did he still seem so furious with her? Was he really that eager to be rid of her? Did he hate her that much? Ricky disappeared into the room, but Emma remained frozen on the bench, her eyes locked on the closed door. She felt hollow, lost in the emptiness of it all. Jenifer, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't bear it any longer. She rushed over, gently pulling Emma to her feet and dragging her away from the hospital ward. In the days that followed, Emma continued visiting the hospital, but she no longer went inside Nicola's room. She only stood by the door, looking through the glass to catch a glimpse of her sister. Sometimes she would see Ricky taking Nicola for walks outside, their closeness painfully clear. From afar, she would watch, a quiet spectator to the life she had no part in. Ricky's coldness toward her was always in stark contrast to his gentle care for Nicola, a contrast that left Emma with a deep, aching wound that never seemed to heal. A month later, Nicola successfully underwent her bone marrow transplant. There were no signs of rejection or complications, and her recovery was progressing smoothly. For the first time in a long while, Emma felt a sense of relief. In the past month, Ricky spent nearly all his time at the hospital, constantly by Nicola's side. He seemed to have forgotten about going to the courthouse with her to finalize the divorce. Emma had watched enough of his affection toward Nicola. She was ready to close this chapter, ready to walk away and rebuild her life. That day, she made up her mind to call him. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before Ricky finally picked up. "What is it?" he asked, his tone as cold and detached as ever. Emma didn't hesitate. "When are we going to finalize the divorce?" There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line. When Ricky finally spoke again, his voice was distant, but his words caught her off guard. "I haven't signed the papers yet." Her heart skipped a beat. After all this time, he still hadn't signed the divorce papers? Emma froze for a moment, her mind racing. Why hadn't Ricky signed the papers yet? Could he have changed his mind? Was there a possibility he no longer wanted the divorce? The thought was fleeting and absurd, and she quickly dismissed it. Ricky had always wanted to be free of her. Now that Nicola was recovering and old enough to marry, there was no reason for him to hold on. This delay couldn't possibly mean anything different. "Meet me at the courthouse tomorrow at nine," she said, her tone sharp, leaving no room for discussion before hanging up the phone. Meanwhile, in Ricky's office. For two years, Ricky had been waiting for this moment--the end of their marriage. The divorce papers had been drawn up months ago, prepared by his assistant, ready for the final signatures that would sever their ties for good. He had thought the moment he signed would bring relief, a clean break. But after Emma had actually signed them, something gnawed at him. A strange unease he couldn't shake. Ricky wasn't sure anymore, not even of himself. He wasn't something to be traded or handed over between two women. His decisions were his own--no one else had the right to make them for him. He calmly finished his work, then pulled the divorce papers from his desk drawer and tore them to pieces. "Divorce?" Ricky's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "It's not that simple. The game has just begun." ...... ==== Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/	1,272	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	IMAGE		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-enj103_2-1101-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120213213249300604	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465982335_3869952303261668_6768830151291684496_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=nX5LdKnjvBUQ7kNvgHM7B5q&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AxjnBDScnEQX3PK1r20I51Z&oh=00_AYBK_Vw8MATu0jKWhQnmO09XHjlvDE-tlP7rNQK_U3ty3w&oe=675CD0A2	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
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2,618,205	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Read next chapter	She and her stepsister fell in love with the same man, but when he knelt down to beg her to save her stepsister, she felt desperate. She demanded to become his wife to save her stepsister. Two years later, when she got the divorce agreement as scheduled, she realized that she had ended up losing everything. ===== Emma Cooper boarded her flight home after three grueling months of filming. Today was also the final day of Emma's contractual marriage. The four-hour journey felt endless, but at last, the plane touched down. Once she retrieved her suitcase, she made her way toward the exit, expecting a company car. But as soon as the doors slid open, she spotted someone familiar--Edwin Reid, the Jenner family's long-time driver. He stood by a sleek black Rolls-Royce, his posture rigid and respectful, waiting. Dragging her suitcase, she approached. Edwin immediately took over, wordlessly opening the car door for her. Inside, a man sat in silence. His presence was cold yet commanding, encased in a perfectly tailored black suit. His sharply chiseled face devoid of any expression, he didn't look up--not even a glance her way. It was Ricky Jenner, her husband of two years. His unexpected appearance caught her off guard, though she quickly remembered why he was here. Their arrangement was ending today. Of course, he would show up. Emma slid into the car, maintaining a careful distance, the space between them as silent and tense as ever. For two years, Ricky had made it clear--he didn't want her close. Tonight was the first time they had been seated so near, and the closeness felt foreign. The faint scent of his cologne lingered between them, familiar but distant, like everything about him. Edwin quietly loaded her suitcase into the trunk and slid back behind the wheel. As the car pulled away from the airport, the silence inside grew suffocating. Ricky's expression remained as cold and distant as ever, his presence casting a shadow over the space. Emma's heart raced, each breath coming in shallow, uneasy waves. Twenty minutes later, the Rolls-Royce rolled to a stop in front of the Jenner family's grand estate. Before Emma could collect her thoughts, the butler rushed out, swiftly opening the door. Ricky stepped out first, his long strides carrying him toward the house without so much as a glance in her direction. "Let's go to the study," he muttered, his tone clipped, not even bothering to slow his pace. Emma's nerves had been on edge the entire ride. She knew what was coming. The moment she entered the study, she saw Ricky pull out a stack of papers from the desk drawer, tossing them in front of her. "Let's get a divorce," he said. Emma's heart twisted painfully in her chest, but she remained composed. She had loved Ricky for ten years, and wearing the title of Mrs. Jenner had never brought her closer to his heart. His body, his soul--none of him had ever belonged to her. "Nicola is old enough to marry now, isn't she?" Emma said, her voice trembling despite her best effort to keep it steady. Ricky's brow twitched slightly, a flicker of impatience crossing his sharp features. He didn't bother responding to her comment. Instead, he immediately extended the pen toward her, a silent demand. Emma forced a smile, but it felt like a crack in her mask. Without her usual makeup, her lips looked pale, and her face seemed drained of life. The exhaustion was undeniable. "Just sign it," Ricky said, emotionless and firm. She accepted the pen and, without sparing a glance at the contents of the contract, flipped to the last page and signed her name. The act felt final, yet hollow. As she placed the pen down, Emma glanced up at Ricky. His eyes, still striking, stared back at her with an icy detachment that sent a shiver through her. It was as if he was looking at a stranger, not his wife. "It's getting late. I'll move out tomorrow, if that's alright?" Emma asked, her voice fragile, her smile tense as she searched Ricky's face for even a shred of warmth. But Ricky's response came swift and sharp, dashing any hope. "Edwin will take you to a hotel." Was he really sending her away this very moment? Not even allowing her the courtesy of one last night under this roof? Her forced smile faltered, then vanished altogether. The silence between them stretched, heavy. Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment before she turned away, her heart hardening with each step as she left the room. In her bedroom, Emma took the suitcase she hadn't even had the chance to unpack. When she dragged her suitcase downstairs, the maids rushed to help, but she waved them off, her smile weary. "Thank you, but I can handle it." They exchanged helpless glances, standing quietly in a line as they watched her approach the door. In the two years she had spent in this house, Emma had grown to care for the people here. Everyone, except Ricky, had shown her warmth. A pang of sorrow hit her, but after enduring two years of emotional isolation, she no longer had the strength to fight. It was over. Time to move on, and finally, let go. Despite the searing pain ripping through her chest, Emma remained dry-eyed. She had learned how to hide her emotions well. As she slid into the backseat of the car, she forced herself to appear composed. Edwin drove her through the city streets and dropped her off at a five-star hotel. Without a word, he left. Inside, Emma checked in and powered on her phone, which had been off for hours. There was a missed call from her father, Colby Cooper. She inhaled deeply, bracing herself as she dialed his number. Colby picked up almost immediately. "Emma, Nicola's condition has worsened," he said, his voice rough, weighed down with exhaustion and worry. Emma's heart skipped a beat. "What? When did this happen?" "About a week ago." "Why didn't you tell me sooner?" she asked. "You were busy filming. I didn't want to burden you," Colby explained. Emma paused, the silence between them heavy. Her mind flashed back to two years ago, when she had donated her bone marrow to save Nicola Cooper. The realization hit her--she knew exactly why her father was calling. "What do you need me to do?" she asked, her voice steady but resigned. "No, there's nothing you need to do. Ricky's already taken care of everything--he's brought in top doctors, and the hospital found a bone marrow match for Nicola from the registry. You just need to visit when you can," Colby said. Emma stayed silent, her chest tightening. Colby, sensing her hesitation, gave her Nicola's room number and urged her to come soon, mentioning how much Nicola missed her. A sharp pain gripped her heart. She managed a weak "okay" before quickly ending the call, unable to hear more. That night felt endless. She tossed and turned on the unfamiliar hotel bed, her mind racing. By 2 a.m., she gave in, ordering a bottle of red wne. She drank most of it before finally drifting off into a fitful sleep. The next morning, close to noon, Emma was jolted awake by her phone ringing. Her agent's voice was quick and urgent on the other end. She pitched the idea of her joining a popular rural reality show--one that guaranteed fame for all who participated. "I'm not interested. I need a break," she replied, her voice groggy with exhaustion. Her agent snapped, clearly frustrated, "A break? Do you think you can take a break whenever you feel like it? Look, you've been in this industry for three years. You've turned down intimate scenes, refused reality shows and avoided any publicity stunts with male celebrities. The company has bent over backward to accommodate you! But what now?" Her voice grew sharper. "Three years in, and you still lack ambition. Keep this up, and your career will be done." "Then let it be done." "Emma, you..." Her agent's voice was cut off as Emma ended the call without hesitation. The frustration simmered inside her, but she didn't dwell on it. She headed straight to the bathroom, ignoring the incessant buzzing of her phone. After a long shower, feeling slightly more clear-headed, she decided to reach out to Jenifer Howard, a close friend she hadn't seen for a while. Emma asked if she could stay at Jenifer's place for a few days. Jenifer was thrilled and agreed, coming over to pick her up almost immediately. Once settled at Jenifer's, Emma unpacked her things and shared a quiet meal with her friend. That afternoon, she made her way to Ecatin General Hospital. Standing outside Nicola's room, Emma watched through the glass as the caregiver tried feeding her sister. Nicola, frail and pale, managed only a few bites before she began to retch. Emma's chest tightened with a sorrow she couldn't fully articulate. Nicola was her half-sister, five years younger and barely twenty now. They had been inseparable as children; Nicola had always looked up to her, following her everywhere. But everything changed when they both fell in love with Ricky. Two years ago, when Nicola was first diagnosed with leukemia, Ricky had been beside himself with worry. That was when the truth hit Emma--Ricky didn't love her. His heart belonged to Nicola. Chapter 2 You Don't Deserve To Be Around Nicola Back then, Emma's blod test results had come back clear--there were no complications, no signs of rejection. She could save Nicola. In truth, Emma wouldn't have hesitated to donate her bone marrow to a stranger, let alone her own sister. But before she could even voice her decision, Ricky had already thought of her as cold and indifferent, assuming she wouldn't step up to save Nicola. He was so desperate that he even knelt before her, pleading for her help--a sight that shattered Emma's heart. Never in her life had she seen Ricky humble himself for anyone like that. She had known Ricky since they were kids. From elementary school to high school, they had been inseparable. Childhood sweethearts, as some might have called them. Ricky used to get into fights with other boys just to defend her, and he would stay up late into the night to help her prepare for exams. She had believed, naively, that after all those years of being by his side, she would eventually earn his love. But she was wrong. Feelings, she had come to understand, were never won by logic or time. Emma was never as good at acting cute or knowing exactly how to please Ricky as Nicola. While he cared for both of them, the way he doted on Nicola was always more tender, more genuine. He must have loved her deeply. The thought pierced Emma's heart, and her eyes stung with unshed tears. What hurt most wasn't just Ricky's love for Nicola but the fact that he had assumed she was heartless enough to let her sister die. That judgment, so harsh and wrong, had infuriated her. In a moment of blind anger, she had demanded that Ricky marry her. She wanted to be his wife. Even though the marriage would only last two year, she had believed--foolishly--that it would be enough time for Ricky to fall in love with her. But reality, sharp and unforgiving, had torn that hope apart. She had lost. Miserably. "You still have the nerve to show your face here?" A biting voice yanked Emma out of her thoughts. Emma quickly wiped away her tears and turned to see Verena Cooper standing behind her, her expression instantly turning cold. Verena, her stepmother, was forty but looked a decade younger. With her perfectly styled hair and chic designer clothes, she exuded elegance and control. When Emma was still mourning the loss of her mother, Verena, who had been the family's servant, got pregnant. The father of the baby was Colby. "Spare me the crocodile tears!" Verena sneered, brushing past Emma as she entered the hospital room. Emma swallowed her frustration and followed behind, forcing herself to remain composed. When Nicola saw her, a faint light flickered in her otherwise tired eyes. "Emma," she said softly, a trace of warmth in her voice. Emma smiled, walking over to gently take Nicola's hand. "I heard you've been missing me." Nicola nodded, her expression gentle. "I haven't seen you for three months. I really missed you." Emma's heart twisted painfully. Nicola, with her innocence and kindness, made everything so much more difficult. How could her own sister, the one she'd loved and cared for, be the one standing between her and the man she longed for? When Nicola had fallen ill, Emma had crossed a line she could never uncross--using that tragedy to secure her place as Mrs. Jenner. She had expected Nicola to resent her for it, maybe even despise her. In her mind, their meetings would be cold, filled with resentment and distance. But Nicola still cared about her as though nothing had changed. And that was the hardest part of all. Every time Emma looked at her sister, the guilt became unbearable. "I'm taking a break right now, so I've got plenty of time to spend with you," Emma said, her eyes still red from emotion, but she forced a smile. Nicola's face lit up. "That's amazing! I want you to visit me every day until I'm discharged, okay?" "Of course, I'll be here every day," Emma replied warmly. From the side, Verena rolled her eyes, glaring at Emma with open contempt. She held her tongue for Nicola's sake, but every time she looked at Emma, her anger flared. She couldn't forget how Nicola had become a shell of herself when Ricky married Emma. Fighting her bitterness, Verena coaxed Nicola to sleep. Once Nicola was asleep, she turned to Emma, her voice cold. "Ricky's coming soon to see Nicola. If you don't want an uncomfortable scene, you'd better go." Emma stood silently, taking in her words. After one last glance at Nicola, now peacefully asleep, she turned and headed for the door. Just as she reached the doorway, Verena's voice cut through the air once more. "Don't bother coming back. After everything you've done to her, you don't deserve to be around Nicola." Emma didn't say a word. She walked out, her steps heavy with the weight of a truth she'd long grown accustomed to carrying. Emma quietly closed the door behind her and collapsed onto a bench in the corridor. She buried her face in her hands as tears flowed uncontrollably, her body shaking with silent sobs. Jenifer had been waiting outside in the car for far too long. Concerned, she decided to head into the hospital to check on Emma. When she entered the corridor and saw Emma hunched over on the bench, looking utterly defeated, Jenifer was about to rush over when she noticed Ricky stepping out of the elevator. He paused when he spotted Emma, but after a brief pause, he walked toward her. Emma had been following Ricky everywhere since childhood; she knew the sound of his footsteps anywhere. Hearing that familiar rhythm, she quickly wiped her face and tried to compose herself, though the effort felt futile. "Are you here to see Nicola?" she asked, forcing a smile as she looked up at him. Her eyes were swollen from crying, with streaks of smudged makeup on her face. She looked fragile, a shadow of her usual self. Ricky's response was indifferent. "You've already visited her?" "Yes," Emma whispered. For a moment, something in her appearance must have stirred a hint of sympathy, because Ricky, in an unusual display of kindness, added softly, "Don't worry. Nicola will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant soon. She'll get better soon enough." "I know." With just those words, Ricky simply turned to push open the door to Nicola's room. But before he could step inside, Emma couldn't help but call after him, "Please, take good care of her." If she couldn't have him, then maybe it was time to let go, to give him back to Nicola--the one he truly loved. Ricky paused, his hand on the door. Without turning to face her, he replied in a voice laced with restrained anger, "I don't need you to remind me. I'll take care of her." His words were sharp, each syllable weighted with frustration. Emma flinched. She had already signed the divorce papers, freeing him from their hollow marriage, giving him the chance to return to Nicola. This was what he had always wanted, wasn't it? So why did he still seem so furious with her? Was he really that eager to be rid of her? Did he hate her that much? Ricky disappeared into the room, but Emma remained frozen on the bench, her eyes locked on the closed door. She felt hollow, lost in the emptiness of it all. Jenifer, who had been watching from a distance, couldn't bear it any longer. She rushed over, gently pulling Emma to her feet and dragging her away from the hospital ward. In the days that followed, Emma continued visiting the hospital, but she no longer went inside Nicola's room. She only stood by the door, looking through the glass to catch a glimpse of her sister. Sometimes she would see Ricky taking Nicola for walks outside, their closeness painfully clear. From afar, she would watch, a quiet spectator to the life she had no part in. Ricky's coldness toward her was always in stark contrast to his gentle care for Nicola, a contrast that left Emma with a deep, aching wound that never seemed to heal. A month later, Nicola successfully underwent her bone marrow transplant. There were no signs of rejection or complications, and her recovery was progressing smoothly. For the first time in a long while, Emma felt a sense of relief. In the past month, Ricky spent nearly all his time at the hospital, constantly by Nicola's side. He seemed to have forgotten about going to the courthouse with her to finalize the divorce. Emma had watched enough of his affection toward Nicola. She was ready to close this chapter, ready to walk away and rebuild her life. That day, she made up her mind to call him. The phone rang for what felt like an eternity before Ricky finally picked up. "What is it?" he asked, his tone as cold and detached as ever. Emma didn't hesitate. "When are we going to finalize the divorce?" There was a heavy pause on the other end of the line. When Ricky finally spoke again, his voice was distant, but his words caught her off guard. "I haven't signed the papers yet." Her heart skipped a beat. After all this time, he still hadn't signed the divorce papers? Emma froze for a moment, her mind racing. Why hadn't Ricky signed the papers yet? Could he have changed his mind? Was there a possibility he no longer wanted the divorce? The thought was fleeting and absurd, and she quickly dismissed it. Ricky had always wanted to be free of her. Now that Nicola was recovering and old enough to marry, there was no reason for him to hold on. This delay couldn't possibly mean anything different. "Meet me at the courthouse tomorrow at nine," she said, her tone sharp, leaving no room for discussion before hanging up the phone. Meanwhile, in Ricky's office. For two years, Ricky had been waiting for this moment--the end of their marriage. The divorce papers had been drawn up months ago, prepared by his assistant, ready for the final signatures that would sever their ties for good. He had thought the moment he signed would bring relief, a clean break. But after Emma had actually signed them, something gnawed at him. A strange unease he couldn't shake. Ricky wasn't sure anymore, not even of himself. He wasn't something to be traded or handed over between two women. His decisions were his own--no one else had the right to make them for him. He calmly finished his work, then pulled the divorce papers from his desk drawer and tore them to pieces. "Divorce?" Ricky's lips twisted into a mocking smile. "It's not that simple. The game has just begun." ...... ==== Two years ago, Ricky found himself coerced into marrying Emma to protect the woman he cherished. From Ricky's perspective, Emma was despicable, resorting to underhanded schemes to ensure their marriage. He maintained a distant and cold attitude toward her, reserving his warmth for another. Yet, Emma remained wholeheartedly dedicated to Ricky for more than ten years. As she grew weary and considered relinquishing her efforts, Ricky was seized by a sudden fear. What happens next? Available chapters here are limited, click the button below to install the App and enjoy more exciting chapters (Automatically jump to this novel when you open the app) &3&	LEARN_MORE	https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-e	Fun Novel	https://www.facebook.com/100090881055588/	1,272	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	fbweb.moboreader.net	VIDEO		https://fbweb.moboreader.net/62445322-fb_contact-enj103_2-1101-core1.html?adid={{ad.id}}&char=331118&accid=233925549638247&rawadid=120213135766620604	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465611023_405518925825910_5379850111386180637_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=HfXBEiyA5qAQ7kNvgHFjOFH&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AAdT5xPjQDjURbmkDvBFF0U&oh=00_AYBE_YkIowAKbIjQ3JaLMXi80echW636Y2FtXhdc9LAmYA&oe=675CCD98	PERSON_PROFILE	Fun Novel	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,928	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2617541}'	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	Ouch! Beta Kyle rudely kicks me to the floor in front of the office door and yells, “Useless Stupid Wolf! Clean the office asap! Our guest, Alpha Dane will be arriving soon!” Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. He was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn’t mess around and he had the largest pack. “He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!” Beta Kyle continues. He digs his nails into my thinning skin before he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned 18, I could finally escape, but 4 years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. “Uhheem” Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of alcohol. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don’t quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. “Is this the way you greet all Alpha’s?” His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. “I’m sorry.” I whisper, getting to my feet. “I…I thought I was alone.” I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. “Come forward.” He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to kill me. I step around the corner, doing as I’m told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. “You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?” I nod, though I couldn’t tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. “I would prefer it if you spoke to me.” He growls, “I’m not in the mood to play games.” “Yes.” I whisper. I couldn’t help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? “Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.” “I…” I hated the question. “Spit it out, I haven’t got all day!” His deep voice sends a shiver through me, “You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It’s rude to not look at them.” Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. “My Wolf abilities were bound,” I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn’t interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, “Why would someone do that?” If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. “It was a punishment.” I whisper. It wasn’t far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. There’s a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn’t tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me “Neah, what the fuck are you doing in my office?” He turns to the crimson eyed man. “I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.” Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Alpha Dane’s voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. “Neah,” My name rolls off of his tongue, “was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.” What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. “Get out now!” Alpha Trey seethes. I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. I try to keep myself busy to stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace is short-lived when I hear my brother calling out for champagne and some glasses. Quickly finding what he asked for, I bow my head as I re-enter the office. I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move; even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one has ever watched me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should have…. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. “Neah is your sister, correct?” Alpha Dane questions my brother. “She is.” Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. “Why do you treat her like shit?” Straight to the point, my brother wouldn’t like that. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. “She's an unforgiven murderer.” Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. “Murdered who?” Alpha Dane’s voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. “Our parents.”	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,767	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	wwwedb.com	VIDEO		https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465671825_1090478159112064_7434394473105215723_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N_r6trXkAHQQ7kNvgGXQPiV&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcjY2idGo2r5mbbaktJWCD8&oh=00_AYDxczDNyfiC10edSvWwKEhpPaEkRQvJ3W2vwcz_PwNEVg&oe=675CCED2	PERSON_PROFILE	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,369	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Take a Free Quiz To get your personalized plan	Wait… There is a way to become more consistent and build healthy habits and routines the easy way? Well, that’s Lasting Change! 🙌 A fully personalized self-growth book that helps to reach your personal goals.	LEARN_MORE	https://thelastingchange.com/start?qz=lc1&locale=E	The Lasting Change	https://www.facebook.com/thelastingchangeofficial/	5,940	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	thelastingchange.com	VIDEO		https://thelastingchange.com/start?qz=lc1&locale=EN_US	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/461270778_1540837573229590_7723985598799311437_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=ymAAqmK9ujcQ7kNvgHhLwvI&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=ApksdQtxJOXOGmAQCHDIbDu&oh=00_AYDy98cbMVGimQ7-SNq308eY1g6X33SDEHj4059P8B8JGw&oe=675CE768	PERSON_PROFILE	The Lasting Change	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,801	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	🔥🔥Click to read the next chapter for free👉		LEARN_MORE	https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&u	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61559743679549/	323	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	shgjfh.com	CAROUSEL		https://shgjfh.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=13853&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.i}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465128361_536950392535131_6081636378861920796_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=yQowwqkAHPUQ7kNvgGGoedC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AtEHkmJ4amutMfMhES-MmhD&oh=00_AYA8RUfmQBhne8ovuobNEdd_a0o0hj_zZqVNOEFpoziJ0w&oe=675CC25A	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,931	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2617883}'	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	🔥🔥LUST IS SWEETER THE SECOND TIME AROUND📖💕	"Puta!"Sambit ni Ken sa kaulyaw nyang si Alice.Pumunta ito sa opisina nya para makikipag meeting.Pero ito ang meeting na ibig nyang sabihin."Mating"pala.Isa lang si Alice sa mga babae nya pero wala cyang girlfriend na matatawag sa isa man sa kanila. "Ohhh Ken,more."Sambit nito sarap na sarap sa ginagawa nya.Naka pwesto ito patalikod sa kanya habang pinapaligaya nya..Pagod sana cya sa araw na iyon pero ang palay ang lumapit sa kanya para tukain...sino ba naman cya para hindian ang grasya ng langit. Nasa kasarapan sila ng pag-niniig ng biglang nagbukas ang pinto...Pumasok ang secretary nyang si Jonie...Naka yuko ito habang nakatingin sa dalang mga papel na papa-pirmahan sa kanya,kinakagat-kagat pa nito ang dulo ng ballpen kaya hindi sila napansin ng dalaga. "Sir,may meeting kayo with Ms.Alice today..." "I'm already here Puta"sagot ni Alice habang sarap na sarap sa ginagawa niya.Hinahawakan nya ang balakang nito para sagad na sagad ang pag labas masok nya sa perlas nito."ahhh..ahhh...ahhhh..." "Ay kabayo!!!Napatalon sa gulat si Jonie ng makita silang nagba-babakbakan ni Alice.Naitapon nito pataas ang mga hawak na papel dahilan kaya nagkalat ang mga iyon sa buong opisina nya.Dali daling pinulot iyon isa-isa ni Jonie. Lihim cya napangiti....hindi kasi muna kumakatok bago pumasok....ayan tuloy!sambit nya sa isip "Sorry Sir,I don’t know na andito na pala si Ms Alice.."sambit ng secretarya nya habang patuloy sa pag pulot ng mga papel.Hindi ito tumitingin sa kanila,napako ang tingin nito sa sahig habang pinupulot isa-isa ang mga papel. Hindi cya nagpatinag kahit pa andiyan ang secretarya nya,hindi nya tinitigil ang pagkadyot kay Alice kaya patuloy din ito sa pag ungol.."ahhh Ken.." Napako ang tingin nya sa sekretarya,naaliw kasi sya sa ekspresyon ng mukha nito...habang umuungol si Alice ay napapangiwi ang mukha ito sa mga narinig mula sa kanila,tila nandidiri.Sumasabay ang pag-ngiwi ng mukha nito sa mga ungol ni Alice.Gusto nyang humalakhak....ang cute kasi tingnan ng sekretarya nya. Halos pagapang na ang posisyon nito para lang mapulot ang lahat ng mga papel sa sahig.Tila hingal na hingal sa ginagawa eh nagpupulot lang naman!Natatawa cya sa isip. Maya-maya pa ay humarap ito sa banda nya pero nakatutok pa din ang atensyon sa sahig kaya wala ito sa sarili na nakikitaan nya na ito ng panti dahil sa igsi ng palda nito.Black ang panti ni Jonie at sumilip ang perlas ng silangan. "Ahh lintik!"sambit nya....Lalo cyang ginanahan,pero hindi dahil kay Alice. "Ken,moreee!" Patuloy sya sa pag galaw sa puwitan ni Alice pero ang mata nya ay nakatingin sa perlas ni Jonie,hindi pa din nito alam na nasisilapan nya na ito,patuloy ito sa pagpulot ng papel. Sana hindi maubos ang papel sa bandang harapan nya.Mas gusto nya ang view doon.Bahagyang pang nalaylay ang blouse nito at sumisilip din ang malulusog na suso ng dalaga.Napapikit nalang cya ng mata.Anu ba yan!...Si Alice ang ka-niig nya pero si Jonie ang nasa isip nya! Nang matapos mapulot ang mga papel ay patakbong lumabas si Jonie ng office at sinara ang pinto. "Baby,Pumasok ka sa loob ko, mas gusto kita, gusto kita grabe! !!!"Sambit ni Alice. Bumalik ang atensyon nya kay Alice nang makalabas na si Jonie. "Ahhh...ooh Baby, ang laki mo na, gusto ko pa. aahhh ahhh.aahhh" Parang nawalan na tuloy sya ng gana sa ingay ng babae,parang star ito kung maka ungol,dagdag pa na pagod cya...humugot muna sya ng malalim na hininga saka tinapos nya na agad ang pagpapaligaya sa dalaga. "Ahhhhhh..mahabang ungol ni Alice ng nilabasan na cya. "Ang galing mo talaga Ken.."tumayo si Alice at inayos ang palda nito. "Next time ulit ha....Bye!"Nag flying kiss pa ito sa kanya bago lumabas "Puta"Sambit nya sa utak.Kinuha nya ang kondomsa ari nya at tinapon iyon sa basurahan.Kahit ilang babae pa ang lumapit sa kanya ay kaya nya yan....ang importante ay nagpa-practice sya ng safe talik. Inayos nya ang pantalon at umupo sa sofa.Napagod cya sa ginawa nila ni Alice.Masyado kasi itong wild.Bakit kasi ganito ang papel nya sa mundo?Ang magpaligaya ng mga babaeng tigang!Natawa cya sa mga naiisip. Naalala nya ang mukha ng sekretarya nya kanina.Aliw na aliw cya habang pinagmamasdan itong pinupulot ang lahat ng papel na naka-kalat,hindi na nito alam kung ano ang uunahing gagawin.Natawa sya Nakita nya din ang panti nito,kakaiba ang naramdaman nya kanina ng masilip ang panti ng dalaga.Madami naman cyang nakitang puki pero bakit parang ang puki ng sekretarya nya ang gusto nyang makita?Saka ang suso nitong tayo-tayo!...parang hindi pa nalamas ng lalaki...Ah Lintik! Bigla cyang nakaramdam ng init...panti palang ang nakita nya pero bakit ang lakas na ng epekto nito sa kanya?Maganda din ang sekretarya nyang si Jonie,fresh graduate ito,halatang wala pang karanasan sa pag-ibig.Sa tantiya nya ay 24 palang ito. Four months palang ang dalaga bilang sekretary nya at masasabi nyang very efficient ito sa work.Dati nilang OJT si Jonie. Inabsorb ng kompanya nga ang dalaga dahil Summa cum Laude ito nung grumaduate sa college.Kung bibitawan pa nya ay siguradong pag aagawan ito ng ibang kompanya. Ibang-iba din ito sa mga naging sekretarya nya dati.Lahat kasi ng naging sekretarya nya ay inaakit cya.Isa sa mga gusto nyang maging sekretarya ay maganda,mestiza at seksi.Gusto nyang maganda lagi ang nakikita habang nagta-trabaho,mas ginaganahan cya kapag ganun...at pasok na pasok si Jonie sa mga requirements nya na yun. Ang pinagkaiba lang ni Jonie sa mga naging sekretarya nya ay matalino ito.Ang iba kasi ay puro katawan lang at walang utak.Hindi rin ito nagpapakita ng ano mang pagka gusto sa kanya.Pure work lang ang dalaga kaya feeling nya ay wala itong interes sa kanya.Ito lang ata ang babaeng hindi nahuhumaling sa kagwapuhan nya.Alam nya iyon kasi hindi man lang ito kinikilig habang kausap cya.Bagkus ay parang takot pa nga ito sa kanya.Ahhh!bakit nga ba si Jonie ang iniisip nya eh kakatapos nya lang makikipag-niig kay Alice? Sumilay ang ngiti sa labi nya.Parang gusto nya tuloy tuksuhin si Jonie.May naisip cyang kalokohan...Naaaliw cya habang inaalala ang mukha nito kanina.Ang cute kasi ng dalaga.Tumayo sya at pumunta sa desk nya.Tinawagan nya ito sa intercom. "S-sir may kailangan po kayo?"Nag-aalangang sagot ng dalaga.Parang may takot na naman sa boses nito. "Pasok ka sa office ko..."Utos nya.Seryoso ang boses nya habang kausap ang dalaga. "Lintik!"Narinig pa nyang pabulong na sambit ng dalaga.Lalong natawa sya sa isip.Maya-maya pa ay kumatok ito ng dalawang beses. "Pasok!"Sigaw nya.Pagpasok ng dalaga ay hindi ito makatingin sa mata nya,nakayuko lang ito. "Ahm Sir my kailangan po ba kayo?"tanong ni Jonie habang hawak ang ballpen na halos mabali na sa kakalapirot nito...hindi ito mapakali. "Itatanong ko lang kung bakit kanina hindi ka kumatok kung marunong ka naman pala kumatok?"Seryosong tanong nya kay Jonie.Gusto nyang makita ang expresyon ng mukha nito. "Ah eh Sir,hindi ko po kasi akalain na andito ba si Ms.Alice sa loob ng opisina nyo"Mukhang takot na takot na naman ito sa kanya.Hindi ito tumitingin sa mata nya.Patuloy lang itong naka yuko.Gusto nya nang tumawa ng malakas.Aliw na aliw cya sa dalaga...napaka inosente nito. "Hmmm...."tumango lang cya bilang sagot sa dalaga."So kamusta naman ang performance ko kanina?" "Sir???"Napangiti sya sa reaksyon ni Jonie.Nagulat ito sa tanong nya.Ang cute talaga ng pagka inosente ni Jonie "Wala..next time kumatok ka muna para hindi ka maalangan palagi." "Y-yes sir...May iuutos po ba kayo?" "Wala naman..." "S-sige po Sir labas na ako." Sinundan nya ng tingin ang paglabas nito sa opisina nya.Halos madapa na ito sa kakamadali makalabas lang doon.Napahalakhak cya ng wala na si Jonie.Mas natutuwa pa ata cya kay Jonie kesa sa ginawa nila ni Alice. MARIA LEONORA GOMEZ: Hapong hapo cyang lumabas sa office ng boss nya.Paano kasi nakita nya kanina na may kaulyawan ito sa opisina.Bad trip kasi bakit hindi nya naisipang kumatok!Haaay.. Sa dinami-daming babaeng pumupunta sa office nila ay first time nya lang nakakita ng ganun.Para tuloy cyang nakapanood ng live scandal!Ang ingay pa ng babaing yun....Akala mo naman ay kinatakay! Well,hindi nya namam ma-judge ang babae...wala pa naman cyang experience sa pakikipagtalik kaya hindi nya alam kung bakit maingay itong mga babae kapag ginaganun! Umupo cya sa desk nya.Executive secretary siya ni Kenneth Enriquez.Isa ito sa mga pinaka mayamang tao sa Pilipinas.Ito ang nag mamay-ari ng mga malalaking subdivision sa iba't ibang parte ng bansa. As an executive secretary,sya ang pinagkakatiwalaan nito sa lahat ng mga schedules ng binata,kasama na doon ang pang babae nito. Babaero ang boss nya....Na saksihan nya lahat ng iyon dahil cya ang nag-aayos ng schedules nito sa mga bawat babae na gusto nitong makapiling.Sinisigurado nya na hindi magka hulihan ang mga babae ng boss nya.Wala naman itong exclusive girlfriend,ayaw nito ng commitment. Matangkad,pogi at matipono si Ken kaya madaming babaeng gusto maging boyfriend ito pero wala ni isa sa mga babae nito ang serious girlfriend....lahat ito ay panandalian lamang.Playtime lang kung baga.Kapag nagsawa ito ay basta-basta nalang nito itatapon na parang basahan. Bakit kasi ang kati-kati ng boss nya?Hindi ba ito nakokontento sa isa?Saka kawawa naman ang mga kabaro nyang mga babae!...pinaglalaruan lang ng isang lalaking katulad ng boss nya! Sabagay hindi nya naman masisi si Sir Ken kasi ang mga babae naman ang naghahabol dito.Pero kahit pa!Hindi ito dapat nag te-take advantage sa kahinaan ng mga babae! Kaya ako,hinding hindi ako mafa-fall sa boss ko na yan!Gwapo at macho at mayaman at....Ayy anu ba yan!akala ko ba hindi ka ma fa-fall?bakit kinikilig ka hahang dini-discribe mo ang manyakis mong boss!Erase erase!galit nya sa sarili.Nagring ang landline sa desk nya kaya bumalik cya sa huwisyo. "Hello,good morning Enriquez Builders?" "I would like to have an appointment with Mr.Ken Enriquez." "May I know who's on the line mam?" "Ann Valdez." "Give me a minute Mam.I'll just check on Mr Enriquez's schedule. Nilagay nya sa table ang telepono at pumunta sa opisina ng boss nya.Pag mga ganitong babae kasi ang tumatawag at nagpapa-appointment ay alam nya na ang pakay ng mga ito,hindi naman talaga business ang habol ng mga to....Nagpapa"kwan"lang sa boss nya!Ay ano ba yan!Iwinaksi nya sarili sa mga maduduming naiisip. Kumatok muna cya bago pumasok.Baka may kababalaghan na namang ginagawa ang boss nya doon. Nang hindi ito sumagot ay muli cya kumatok at sumigaw."Sir pasok po ako!"Saka nya binuksan ang pinto.Nasa table lang pala ito busy sa laptop.Hindi man lang cya sinagot kung pwede cya pumasok o hindi. "Sir,nagpapa-appointment si Ms.Ann Valdez..ano po sasabihin ko?" "Sir…...."Tawag nya ulit dito,parang hindi kasi cya narinig.Masyadong busy ito sa ginagawa sa laptop. “What is it?”Pasigaw na tanong nito sa kanya,napatalon tuloy cya.Mukhang magkaka nerbyos pa ata cya dito sa boss nya.Kanina lang ang okay ito...ngayon naman ay galit!May sayad na ata ang boss nya...Natuyuan na ata ito ng utak sa dami ng babaeng nakaniig nito. Yun din ang rason kaya bawal cyang magkamali sa trabaho dahil kung hindi ay sangkatutak na sermon ang matatanggap nya.Sala sa init,sala sa lamig kasi ito.Pabago-bago ng emosyon. "A-hm nagpapa appointment po si Ms Ann Valdez.Kelan daw cya pwedeng pumunta?" “Ok..mamaya 3PM.”Hindi na ito nag aksaya pa na tapunan cya ng tingin.Naka tutuk pa din ito sa laptop. "Ok sir..."Yun lang ang tanging nasagot nya saka tumalikod na at dali-daling lumabas sa office.Baka kasi mabuntungan pa ulit cya galit nito. Matindi ang takot niya sa kaniyang striktong boss. Kung hindi niya sana kailangan ng malaking halaga para sa operasyon ng kaniyang ina dulot ng cancer, matagal na siyang nag-resign. Ang plano nya ay mang-empleyo lang muna sa ibang kompanya katulad ng kay Sir Ken pagkaptapos kapag makapag-ipon na cya ng malaki ay plano nyang magpatayo ng sariling kompanya na cya mismo ang magpapatakbo. Aaminin nya malaki ang swledo na natatanggap nya sa kumpanya ni Sir Ken.First job nya iyon,Summa cum Laude sya pagka graduate ng college as Business Management kaya hindi mahirap para sa kanya ang mag hanap ng trabaho. Sa kompanya ni Sir Ken cya nag OJT,madaming kompanya ang gusto cyang i-hire pero pinili nya ang kompanya ni Sir Ken dahil kahit papaano ay may mga kakilala na cya doon. "Hello Ms Valdez?"sambit nya nang kunin ulit ang telepono. "What took you so long?"singhal ng babae sa kanya. Matagal nga cya kasi naman ang boss nya matagal din sumagot sa opisina."Sorry about that Mam.Chinek ko pa kasi ang schedule ni Sir..."pagsisinungaling nya. "Ang sabihin mo tatanga-tanga kang sekretarya!"muling singhal nito sa kanya. Nagpanting ang tenga nya!Gusto nya din sagutin ang babae na at least cya hindi nagpapakamot sa boss nya!Naku kung hindi lang talaga cya makapagtimpi baka hindi pa nya bigyan ng appointment ito sa boss nya! "Your appointment will be on 3PM later...that would be all mam?"mahinahon na wika nya sa kabilang linya.Hindi na cya sinagot nito,binagsakan pa cya ng telepono. “Bwisit! Nakakairita ang babaeng iyon!” Huminga siya ng malalim; ayaw niyang masira ang araw niya dahil dito. Nang makakalma na siya ng kaunti, lumabas siya ng opisina at nagpunta sa company cafeteria.Wala masiyadong tao sa cafetaria dahil ala una na ng hapon. Halos lahat ng empleyado ay tapos na mag-lunch break. Dalawang set ang binili nyang lunch,ang isa ay para sa kanya at ang isa naman ay para sa Boss nya.3 cups of rice ang binili nya,isa para sa kanya at dalawa para sa Boss nya.Alam nyang kulang ang 1 cup of rice dito dahil nakipag bakbakan ito kanina.Beef broccoli naman ulam na pinili nya. Bumili na din cya ng dalawang leche flan para panghimagas nila.Hindi nya alam kung mahilig ang Boss nya sa sweets pero kasi cya ay parang hindi kompleto ang pagkain kapag walang dessert.Mabuti nga at hindi naman cya tumataba dahil sa katakawan nya sa sweets. After nyang bumili ng lunch para sa kanila ay bumalik na cya ng office.Iniwan na nya si Fe doon,sa cafeteria na ito kakain. Nang makarating na cya sa opisina ay pinatong muna ang pagkain nya sa table nya saka pumunta sa opisina ng boss nya dala-dala ang pagkain na binili nya para dito.Kumatok muna cya bago pumasok....mahirap na baka may makita na naman cya. "Pasok!"sigaw ng boss nya mula sa loob. Binuksan nya ang pinto at pumasok.Naka tutuk pa din ito sa laptop."Sir binilhan na kita ng lunch....nakalimutan mo ata kumain."Nag angat ito ng tingin...tiningnan muna cya nito mula ulo hanggang paa..nahiya cya bigla,baka my dumi sya sa mukha. "Sir?...."pukaw nya dito. "Thank you Jonie...nakalimutan ko nga 1 PM na pala....kaya pala masakit na ang tyan ko.I was about to go out para mag lunch pero dahil binilhan mo na ako ay di nako lalabas...thank you."wika nito sa kanya saka inabot ang pagkain. Seryoso pa din ang mukha ng boss nya.Ewan ba nya bakit nagkaka-crush ang mga babae dito eh parang dragon kaya ito kung magalit!...Or baka sa kanya lang.Lumabas na cya ng office pagkatapos nyang maibigay ang food. Haaay hindi talaga cya makahinga ng tama kapag nasa loob ng office ng boss nya o kapag malapit ito sa kanya...parang hinihigop kasi nito ang lahat ng oxygen. Napatalon cya ng biglang nagring ang intercom nya."Sir,may ipag-uutos po ba kayo?"sagot nya....ito lang naman ang naka connect sa intercom nya. "Dito ka na kumain sa loob wala ako kasama eh.nakaka-bored kumain mag-isa..."wika nito sa kanya. "Ah eh....wag na ho,madami pa kasi akong trabaho dito sa desk ko."pagdadahilan nya. "Di ba nga lunch time?After lunch mo na gawin yan,and thats an order!" "O-ok sir...."wala na cyang magawa.That's an order daw eh!Dala-dala nya ang lunch na binili saka pumasok sa loob ng office.Gusto nyang magreklamo pero wala naman cyang magagawa. Umupo sya sa coffee table.May pangdalawahang chair doon...doon nalang cya kakain para medyo malayo sa boss nya,nakaupo kasi ito sa desk nito at nag sisimula ng kumain. Binuksan na nya ang pagkain nya at magsisimula na dapat kumain ng biglang lumapit ito sa kanya dala-dala din ang lunch nito saka umupo sa tabi nya.Hindi na naman cya makahinga...Nawawalan na naman cya ng oxygen.Di kaya may hika cya?Pa-check-up na kaya cya? "Dito nalang din ako kakain....Pinapasok nga kita dito para may kasabayan ako eh...tapos ang layo naman ng upuan mo sa akin!"Reklamo nito sa kanya. "Sorry po...."Yun lang ang tanging nasambit nya.Pinag patuloy na nito ang pagkain.Sya naman ay hindi pa nakasubo kahit isa....nahihiya kasi cya. "Nahihiya ka ba sa akin Jonie?O natatakot?" "Ahm...hindi naman Sir....naiilang lang cyempre boss po kita..." "Kumain ka na kung hindi ay ubusin ko yang pagkain mo....gutom pa naman ako!"Naubos na nito ang isang cup ng rice..Mabuti pala at 2 cups ang binili nya dito kung hindi ay mabibitin talaga ito. "Ah eh...gusto mo Sir sayo na lang?Hindi naman kasi talaga ako gutom...."pagsisinungaling nya. "I'm just joking...kain ka na!"simpleng sambit nito sa kanya. Kahit nahihiya ay pinilit na din nyang kumain.Kinuha nya ang kutsara at tinidor.Dahan-dahan nyang hinihiwa ang beef pero hindi kaya iyon kapag dadahan-dahanin nya.Sinulyapan nya ang Boss...walang tigil ito sa kakakain.Parang wala naman ito pakialam sa kanya kaya kumain na din cya.Kanina pa din kasi talaga cya gutom. Kahit hindi masyadong masarap ang luto sa cafeteria ay nagiging masarap na iyon sa panlasa nya lalo na't gutom cya.Pero mas masarap pa din ang luto nya kesa sa cafeteria.Sa isip nya. KENNETH POV: Pasimpleng pinagmamasdan nya si Jonie habang kumakain.Magana itong kumain kaya nakapagtataka kung bakit hindi ito tumataba.Napansin nyang mahilig din ito sa sweets.May leche flan pa itong dala para sa kanya.Actually hindi cya mahilig sa sweets pero dahil dala ito ni Jonie para sa kanya ay kakainin nya. Kilig na kilig cya ng dinalhan sya ng pagkain ng sekretarya nya.Hindi nya lang pinapahalata pero naa-appreciate nya iyon.Parang wala lang naman ito sa dalaga pero malaking bagay na iyon sa kanya. "Nga pala Jonie,ilang months ka na pala dito sa office?"pagbasag nito ng katahimikan sa pagitan nila. "4 months na Sir...pagka graduate ko ay dito agad ako nakapag trabaho sa kompanya mo.Dito din kasi ako nag OJT." Nakikinig lang cya sa dalaga na kunyari ay hindi nya alam."Balita ko ay Summa com Laude ka daw?"Napayuko ito...tila nahihiya. "Opo Sir....." "Matalino ka pala kung ganun?Swerte ko naman at sa akin ka napunta!....Este dito ka nakapagtrabaho...Galingan mo ha,kapag nakita ko ang work ethics mo ay tataasan ko sweldo mo para hindi ka ma-pirate ng ibang kompanya." "Naku Sir wag na ho!Malaki na po ang sweldo ko para sa isang fresh graduate na tulad ko." "Bakit ayaw mo ng increase?You deserve it dahil you graduated with flying colors!" "Ahhhh gusto Sir!..."biglang sagot nito. "Yun naman pala eh hahaha.."Sa lahat ng mga babaeng nakakasama nya ay ngayun lang ata cya nakatawa ng ganito kalakas at sa sekretarya pa nya. "Ilang taon ka na pala?"tanong ulit nya ulit dito.Alam nyang nahihiya at naiilang ito sa kanya kaya kinakausap nya ito ng kinakausap para mawala ang hiya nito sa kanya. "24 po..." Lintik ang layo pala agwat namin!30 na kasi cya...sa isip nya.Habang tumatagal ay gusto nya ang personality ng serectary nya.Ngayun lang sila nakapag-usap ng ganito.Palagi kasi itong ilag sa kanya.Matalino ito....may sense kausap. Pasimpleng tinitingnan nya ito habang kumakain..nahihiya ito sa kanya,ramdam nya iyon.Maliit kasi ang subo nito sa pagkain.Pero kapag hindi naman cya nakatingin ay malaki naman ito sumubo.Gusto nyang matawa pero pinigilan nya. Kasalukuyan na itong kumakain ng dessert.Kanina pa dapat cya tapos pero dinahan-dahan nya na din ang pagkain para hindi ito mailang sa kanya kapag mag-isa nalang itong kumakain.Tila sarap na sarap ito sa pagkain ng leche flan..Gumagalaw-galaw pa ang ulo ito habang sumusubo.Lihim cyang napangiti.Ang cute kasi nito...parang bata. "Sir labas na po ako ha,mag aalas-tres na pala.May meeting po kau with Ms.Ann Valdez." Akmang tatayo na ito ng pigilan nya."Cancel mo nalang yun,tinatamad nako eh.Mas gusto ko pang makipag-usap sayo kesa humarap sa babaeng yun."Biro nya dito pero hindi ito tumawa...napahiya tuloy cya,baka sabihin nito na feeling close cya. "Ah eh Sir baka po pagalitan ako ni Ms.Ann?" "Bahala ka na mag-alibi basta cancel my appointment to her..." "S-sige po sir..."Alanganing sagot nito. Lumabas na si Jonie at tinawagan si Ann.Alam nyang pagagalitan ito ni Ann pero wala na cyang magawa,ayaw nyang masira ang mood nya.Ang gusto nya ay si Jonie lang ang babaeng makikita ng mga mata nya sa araw na yun. Mag-isa nalang siya sa office.Natutuwa cya sa dalaga,masarap ito kausap...may sense...alam mong hindi bobo.Ilang sandali lang silang nag-usap ay parang naging interesado na cya sa babae.Pero nakikita nya sa mata nito na wala talaga ito pagtingin sa kanya.Boss lang talaga ang turing nito sa kanya kahit pa nagpapahaging na cya dito. Na-curious tuloy cya...gumana na naman ang kapilyuhan nya...parang gusto nyang gawing project si Jonie...make her fall in love with him!Napangiti cya sa mga naiisip. Pero nag-aalala din cya baka kasi umalis ang dalaga kapag ginawa nya iyon at ayaw nya mangyari yun!Jonie is an asset to him...kapag umalis ito sa kanya ay siguradong makakahanap agad ito ng trabaho at pag-aagawan pa ng ibang kompanya. Ah Lintik...pagpapalaglag mission!!!hindi nya pwedeng paglaruan ang dalaga.Sa iba nalang sya maglalaro!!!Nalungkot tuloy cya bigla sa desisyon nya. Dahil kinancel nya ang appointment with Ann ay wala na cyang ginagawa sa office.Nakatingin na lang cya sa labas,naka glass kasi ang buong wall ng kanyang office...nakikita nya ang mga tao sa labas pero hindi cya nakikita ng mga ito sa loob.Nakamasid lang sya sa mga ginagawa ni Jonie.Mahinhin kumilos ang dalaga,napakalambot nito....babaeng babae.5'5"lang ata ang height nito,cya naman ay 6 footer..Hmmm its ok,I like petite woman.parang masarap alagaan....sambit nya... Ah ano bang pinagsasabi nya?Hindi nga pwede si Jonie di ba???pagpapalaglag mission!!!Nakita nyang nag-aayos na ito ng mga gamit,pinapasok na ang mga gamit nito sa bag,tiningnan nya ang oras,5:30 na pala...malamang ay uuwi na ang babae.Dalidali na din cyang nag-ayos at lumabas ng office. "Oh Jonie bakit andito ka pa?5:30 na ah?"kunwaring tanong nya. "Ah may tinapos lang po...pauwi na din po ako Sir." Natawa cya sa sarili.Syempre alam nyang pauwi na ang dalaga!....kanina pa kaya nya ito pinagmamasdan! "Sakto!kung gusto mo sumabay ka na sa akin...pauwi na din ako..."wika nya.Ang galing nya talagang artista! "Ay wag na Sir...may dadaanan pa kasi ako..." "Saan naman yun?ihahatid kita..."Minsan naiinis na cya dito sa babaeng ito...hindi talaga effective ang charisma nya sa dalaga.Kung ibang babae siguro ay nagkukumahog na iyon na sasama sa kanya. "Wag na po...baka out of way sayo." "Saan nga?Paano ko malalaman na out of way kung hindi mo sasabihin?"Tila nawawalan na din cya ng pasencya sa dalaga at napalakas ang boses nya. "Sa Mendez hospital po..."Nahihiyang sagot ni Jonie sa kanya. "Sakto may pupuntahan din ako banda doon,sabay ka na sa akin..."Lihim cyang napangiwi...ang lousy na mga'the moves'nya!Bakit ba kasi nya ginagawa ito?Di ba nga pagpapalaglag mission na si Jonie sa kanya?Off limits na ang dalaga!!!Haaay bahala na....eh sa gusto nya eh! "Sure ka Sir?Baka nakakahiya..." "Hindi...tara na baka matraffic pa tayo."Nagpatiuna na cya sa paglakad para hindi na ito maka hindi pa sa kanya. JONIE POV: Pumayag nalang si Jonie sa offer ng boss nya...sayang din kasi ang pamasahe.Nag ga-grab pa kasi cya papunta sa ospital.Pag ganitong oras ay punuan na ang mga jeep kaya siguradong mahihirapan na cyang makarating sa ospital kaagad...dadalawin nya ang mama nya.Andun naman ang pinsan nya na nagbabantay,sinuswelduhan nya ito para magbantay sa mama nya,mag-isa lang kasi cyang anak. Wala din cyang Papa.Naanakan lang ang nanay nya ng amerikano kaya mestiza cya.Hindi pa nya nakita ang Papa simulang ng isinilang cya. "Jonie!"pukaw ni Sir Ken sa kanya. "Ay opo Sir...tara na."Nagpatiuna ito sa paglakad papuntang elevator.May sarili itong elevator kaya wala silang magiging kasabay. Nang makarating sa harap ng elevator ay hinintay siya nito na pumasok.Hinawakan cya nito sa beywang para igiya papasok.Napaikgtad cya ng bahagya ng maramdaman ang palad nito sa bewang nya.Pasimple nya itong tiningnan...parang wala lang naman ito dito...Baka nagpapaka gentleman lang. Haaay.masyado kang over reacting Jonie!Nag papaka-gentleman lang ang Boss mo...wag mo bigyan ng malisya!saway nya sa sarili. Wala silang pansinan habang nasa elevator.As usual hindi na naman cya makahinga...inuubos na naman ng boss nya ang oxygen sa loob ng elevator. "Are you ok?bakit parang hindi ka pamakali?" "Ah eh....wala po Sir...naiihi lang.Joke lang!" "Hahaha....nakakatawa ka talaga." First time nyang nakita ang boss nya na tumawa sa joke nya.Marunong din pala itong tumawa?Nang nasa parking na sila ay sumakay sila sa Ferrari red na sasakyan ng boss nya.Isa lang ito sa mga napakadami nitong sasakyan.Halos iba-iba ang kotse na ginagamit nito araw-araw. "Ano nga pala ang gagawin mo sa ospital?May sakit ka ba?" "Ah wala po...bibisitahin ko lang ang mama ko." "Why?ano nangyari sa mama mo?" "May cancer po cya.naka-admit cya sa ospital...naka schedule po cya for chemo. "Ohhhh...."tanging sagot nito sa kanya. Wala na sila pansinan habang nagba-byahe.Mabilis lang sila nakarating sa ospital dahil may mga short cut itong dinaanan.Akala nga nya kung saan na cya dadalhin nito,hindi nya kasi kabisado ang mga daan na dinadaanan nito. "Ah Sir thank you ha...mauna na po ako."Paalam nya ng makarating na sila sa parking ng hospital. "No...I want to go with you..." "Ay hindi na po kailangan!Nakakahiya!"Hinatid na nga cya sa ospital pati ba naman sa kwarto ng Mama nya ay uhahatid pa cya? "No,I insist...saka tigilan mo na ang kaka'Po'mo sa akin bata pa ako,kayang kaya ko pang hanggang 10 rounds." "Ano po yun Sir?" "Ahh...wala!" ***************** KEN POV: Kahit anong pigil nya ay hindi nya taalga maiwasan na magpahaging kay Jonie.Natural na sa kanya ang pagka pilyo kaya kusa nang lumalabas iyon sa bibig nya.birhen pala ang secretary nya kaya wala ito alam.Ang sarap tuloy paglaruan ang mga ganitong inosenteng babae... pagpapalaglag mission!!!pagpapalaglag mission!!sigaw na naman ng utak nya.Pinapaalala nito na off limits ni Jonie."Lintik!!!"napa mura cya.Nagulat si Jonie sa kanya.Napalakas pala ang pagmura nya "Ayy sorry....hindi ikaw ang minumura ko...may natapakan lang ako kaya nagulat ako."Pagdadahilan nya.Tumango lang ito sa kanya. Pumasok na ito sa ospital.Ramdam nyang nahihiya ito dahil nakasunod cya.Pasimpleng tinitingnan nya ito habang naglalakad.Ang ganda ng kurbada ng katawan nito....payat pero mabalakang.Napansin nyang malaman din ang suso nito.Nakikita nya iyon kapag medyo mababa ang pagka V-leeg ng suot na blouse nito...naramadaman nyang gumalaw si manoy.... Lintik Lintik Lintik!....pagpapalaglag pagpapalaglag pagpapalaglag!hindi ka pwede tayuan dito!Nakakahiya!..Nasa ospital ka pa man din!Galit nya sa sarili. "Ahm Jonie?"tawag nya sa dalaga,nilingon cya nito.Pasimpleng tinabuhan nya ang harapan nya.Baka mapansin nito ang galit na si manoy. "Ano ang room ng mama mo?susunod nalang ako doon...mag CR lang ako sandali" "Ah ok Sir....room 208 po si Mama." "Ok I'll be there...."sambit nya saka tumalikod at naghanap ng CR.kakalmahin nya muna ang sarili bago puntahan ang dalaga.Bakit kasi kung ano-ano ang mga iniisip nya?sinabi ng pagpapalaglag eh!Tigas din kasi ng ulo eh ayan tuloy tinigasan ka!!!galit ng utak nya sa kanya. Nang maramdamang ok na cya ay saka sya lumabas ng CR at pumunta sa room 208.Naabutan nyang kinakausap ng doctor si Jonie.Tulog ang mama nito,payat na ito pero halatang maganda noong kabataan nito.Dito nagmana si Jonie sa ganda pero morena ang mama nito,hindi katulad ni Jonie na mestiza.Malamang ay foreigner ang papa ni Jonie..Saan kaya ang papa ni dalaga?tanong nya sa isip.Pagkatapos makipag usap ng doctor kay Jonie ay umalis na ito. "Kamusta ang mama mo?"tanong nya dito...nakatulala lang kasi ito....Mukhang paiyak na.Ayaw nya naman hawakan ito at i-comfort,baka lalo mailang ito sa kanya.Kanina pa nga lang nung nasa elevator sila ay napaiktad pa ito ng hinawakan nya sa bewang...nagkunyari nalang cyang hindi nya iyon napansin para hindi ito lalong mailang. Hindi cya sinagot nito...parang walang narinig.Nakatingin lang ito sa mama nito."Ate!..."tawag ng isang babae na naroon din kay Jonie.Baka kamag-anak nya ito...may resemblance ang dalawang babae pero mas maganda pa din si Jonie. "Bakit?...." "Sino po cya?"Tanong nito sabay turo sa kanya. "Ay boss ko pala si Sir Ken....Sir pinsan ko po si Bebe...cya po ang nag babantay kay Mama habang nasa trabaho ako."Pakilala nito sa kanya. "Hi bebe..."bati nya dito.Kinilig naman ito ng binati nya.lihim nalang cyang natawa. "Bebe ikaw na ang bahala dito kay mama ha.Uuwi muna ako,babalik nalang ulit ako bukas." "Ok ate.dalhan mo ako pasalubong ha?" "Anu ba gusto mo?" "Jabee..."nakangiting sambit nito.Jolibee ang ibig sabihin nito pero ginagaya ang mga bata sa jabee ang tawag. "Mag order ka na jan sa app...eto pambayad."Inabutan ito ni Jonie ng 500.Tuwang tuwa naman ang pinsan nito. "Sige na...alis na kami ha...." "Bye ate....bye boss pogi!..."Pinandilatan ito ng mata ni Jonie...baka nahihiya sa inakto ng pinsan nito. "Pasencya ka na sa pinsan ko Sir.pilya lang talaga yan....tara na po?"Nginitian nya naman ito at tinanguan.. JONIE POV: Nagpatiuna na naman cya sa paglakad.Iniisip nya ang sinabi ng doctor.kailangan ng operahan ang mama nya sa lalong madaling panahon para maiwasan ang pag kalat ng cancer sa katawan nito. Kailangan nya ng malaking halaga.1 milyon ang hinihingi ng doctor sa kanya!Saan naman sya kukuha ng ganun kalaking pera!Wala pa nga sa kalahati ang ipon nya.Kung sana ay wala iyong maintenance ay siguro malaki-laki na ang naiipon nya.Bukod kasi sa pang oopera ng Mama nya ay kailangan nya din ng budget para sa maintenance nito. Kahit pa patayin nya ang sarili sa pagtatrabaho at pagluto ng ulam araw araw ay hindi pa din kaya punuin ang 1 milyon.Saka pagod pagod naman ang katawan nya.Baka pati cya ay ma-ospital na din sa kakahanap ng pera.Naiiyak nalang cya..pasimpleng pinahid nya ang luha nya. "Hey anything wrong?"tanong ng boss nya.Malamang ay napansin nito ang pananahimik nya at ang pasimpleng pagpahid nya ng luha. "Ah wala po sir...."pagsisinungaling nya.Nakakahiya at nakita pa cya ng Boss nya sa ganoong sitwasyon. Nang makalabas na sila ng ospital ay nag paalam na cya sa boss nya. "Salamat sa paghatid Sir ha...dito nalang po ako mag aabang ng jeep...."balak nya sana mag grab pero sayang din ang pera na pambayad.Pandagdag pa yun sa ipon nya para sa operasyon ng mama nya. "Mahihirapan kang maka uwi nyan...kita mo punuan ang mga jeep?Sumabay ka na sa akin,ihahatid na kita..."alok nito sa kanya. "Naku wag na po Sir!Nakakahiya na talaga! Saka may pupuntahan ka pa malapit dito di ba?" Sandaling napa-isip si Ken..Oo nga pala,yun pala ang alibi nya kanina para pumayag si Jonie na ihatid nya sa ospital. "Ah eh...wala na....tumawag na ang ka meeting ko dito,bukas nalang daw kami mag kita..."pagsisinungaling nito. "Ganun po ba..." "Tara na...ihahatid na kita."sambit ng boss nya.Nagpatiuna na din ito sa paglakad papuntang parking kung nasaan ang sasakyan nito.Hindi na tuloy cya naka hindi.Tinalikuran na cya at naunang sumakay ng kotse. Nahihiya man cya pero sumakay na din.Mahihirapan talaga cya makasakay...Friday pa naman ngayun at araw ng swedo. "Saan ba ang sa inyo?"tanong nito sa kanya ng makasakay na cya. Wala sa sariling binigay nya ang adress ng bahay nya..Iniisip pa din ang sinabi ng doctor kanina. "What happened Jonie?Ano ang sinabi ng doctor tungkol sa kalagayan ng mama mo?" Humikbi sya....ang bigat na kasi ng nararamdaman nya...Bakit kasi wala cyang tatay at mga kapatid?Solo nya lang tuloy ang problema. "K-kailangan daw operahan si Mama.Malaking halaga ang kailangan.Konti palang kasi ang ipon ko,kailangan na daw kasi pigilan ang pagkalat ng cancer sa katawan nya...."tumutulo ang luha na kinukwento nya sa boss.Hindi nya alam kung bakit cya napa-kwento dito....siguro dahil kailangan nyang ilabas ang sakit ng dibdib nya. "Magkano ba kailangan?" "Isang milyon daw po..." "I will give you 1 milyon."Simpleng sabi lang nito sa kanya habang nagda drive. "Naku wag po Sir!Hindi po ako tumatanggap ng abuloy....nakakahiya!!!"utal-utal na tanggi nya. "Hindi ito abuloy...tulong ko sau." "Kahit na Sir!hindi ko kayang bayaran yan sayo!" "Maliit na halaga lang sa akin ang isang milyon." "Oo nga Sir pero hindi ko pa din kayang bayaran yun..."Kahit pa kailangan nya ng pera ay hindi naman cya basta basta lang tatanggap sa boss nya.Hindi cya ganoong tao. "Edi bayaran mo ako sa paraang gusto ko!" Napatingin sya sa Boss nya."P-paano po Sir?" "I'll give you 10 million....be my lover for 3 months." "What!"Napalakas ng boses nya. "Ayaw mo ng abuloy di ba?Ayaw mo din na na tulungan kita,kaya bayaran mo nalang sa paraan ng gusto ko.10 million for your body.Alam ko birhen ka pa kaya kulang ang isang milyon.Gagawin ko sampung milyon pumayag ka lang."Normal lang ang pag sabi nito sa kanya.Parang nanghihingi lang ito ng tinapay.Pero hindi ba nito alam ang kapalit ng hinihingi nito?Buhay at kinabukasan nya ang nakasalalay dito!Masisira ang pagkatao nya kapag pumayag cya! "Pero Sir hindi po ako ganung babae!"Pilit nyang ipinapaintindi dito na iba sya sa mga babaeng nagkakandarapa dito...Iba cya! "Alam ko...kaya nga nagustuhan kita eh.Alam kong iba ka sa mga babaeng pumupunta sa office ko." "P-pero Sir....hindi ko po kaya ang ipapagawa mo sa akin."Hindi nya lubos maisip kung bakit sya nito inalok ng ganun?May nagawa ba cyang pagpapakita ng motibo sa boss nya para gawin nito iyon sa kanya?Sa pagkaka-alam nya ay wala naman.Maingat pa nga cya sa mga galaw nya kapag kaharap ang Boss dahil alam nyang maloko ito sa mga babae.Ayaw nyang matulad sa kanila. "Pag-isipan mo....Para sa Mama mo.Kung ayaw mo ay hindi kita pipilitin." Napayuko cya...hindi nya akalain na ooferan cya ng boss nya ng indecent proposal..Kahit pa wala pa cyang ginagawa ay parang napakababa na ng tingin nya sa sarili nya.Pero paano naman ang Mama nya?papayagan nya bang mamatay nalang ito dahil sa prinsipyo nya?Bubuhayin ba sila ng prinsipyo nya?Lintik!ano ang gagawin nya? Wala na silang pansinan buong byahe.Wala cyang masabi at malamang ay wala na din itong sasabihin sa kanya.Nasabi na nito lahat ang gustong sabihin...nasa kanya nalang ang desisyon.Sa kakaisip nya ay hindi nya namalayan na nasa harap na sila ng bahay nya.Tumigil ito sa harap ng gate nila. "Pag isipan mo Jonie.I want your answer tomorrow morning.Kung hindi ka tatawag bukas ay ibig sabihin hindi ka pumapayag."Sambit nito sa kanya.Hindi pa din ito tumitingin sa kanya...nasa harap lang ito nakatingin.Hindi nya din naman kayang harapin ito ng mata sa mata. Dahan-dahan cyang lumabas ng kotse...walang salitang lumabas sa bibig nya.Kahit nga magpasalamat dahil sa paghatid nito sa kanya ay hindi nya nagawa. Nang makalabas na cya ay tinapunan muna sya nito ng tingin...Nag tama ang kanilang mga mata.Ewan lang pero nakikita nya sa mga mata nito ang pagsusumamo na sana ay pumayag cya sa proposal nito.Ilang segundo pa silang nagka tinginan bago nito ulit paandarin ang makina at nagdrive na palayo sa kanya... KENNETH POV: Lintik!napamura si Ken...wala sa plano nya ang alukin si Jonie ng ganun.Di ba nga off limits si Jonie?Yan ang sabi ng utak nya pero sabi ng puso nya gusto nya ang dalaga.Gusto nya lagi itong nakikita...gusto nya ito lagi sa tabi nya. He wants her...hindi lang bilang sekretarya,gusto nya itong maging kanya!Gusto nya ito ang pagpapa-init sa kanyang kama. Sana ay pumayag si Jonie...kung hindi ay wala na cyang mukhang maihaharap pa sa dalaga.Isang malaking sampal iyon sa kanya!Hanggang bukas ng umaga lang ang palugit nya dito.Ayaw nya na pinaghihintay cya ng matagal. Sa kakaisip nya sa dalaga ay hindi nya namalayan na nasa harap na sya ng gate nila.Pinagbuksan cya ng security guard saka pinasok nya ang sasakyan sa parking. "Good evening po seniorito...kakain po na kayu ng dinner?"Tanong ni Aling Meding na kasambahay nya ng salubungin sya nito. "Hindi na ate...hindi ako gutom." Dumiretso cya ng kwarto,hinubad ang damit at pumunta ng banyo para maligo.Itinuon ang ulo sa baba ng shower.Hinayaan nyang mabasa ang buo nyang katawan.Inalala nya ang tagpo kanina sa office...nakita nya ang panti ni Jonie...parang gusto nyang hawiin ang panti nito at silipin ang nakatagong perlas doon."ahhh..."napaungol cya.Tumayo ang pagkalalaki nya..Lintik! Hinimas nya ang alaga nya."ohhhh...."grabi ang epekto ni Jonie sa kanya...iisipin palang nya ang dalaga ay ang laki na ng epekto nito sa kanya."ahhh...ahhhh...ahhhh..."ungol nya habang pinapaligaya ang sarili. "Jonie....."sambit nya sa pangalan ng dalaga.Lalo nyang binilisan nag pag-akyat baba sa palad nya..hanggang sa labasan cya.."aaahhhh....." Tinapos na nya ang pagligo at lumabas ng banyo..pumasok na naman sa isip nya ang dalaga.Sabado bukas...wala silang work.Sana ay tawagan cya ni Jonie.Sya ang pinaka masayang lalaki kung mangyayari yun.Humiga cya sa kama at pinikit ang mata...nakatulog cyang may ngiti sa labi at pag-asang tatawagan cya ni Jonie bukas at papayag sa alok nya. *** Kinaumagahan ay maaga cyang nagising,tiningnan nya agad ang telepono...wala pang tawag si Jonie sa kanya. Ano ka ba?Alas singko palang ng umaga!Nagmamadali?...Galit nya sa sarili. Lumabas cya ng kwarto para magkape.Panay pa din ang silip nya sa cellphone nya...parang timang lang na naghihintay ng chat o tawag ng dalaga. Pagkatapos nya magkape ay nag gym naman cya.Alas-dyes na ng umaga wala pa din tawag ni Jonie sa kanya.Hindi na cya mapakali...umiinit na ang ulo nya.Gusto nya cya na misno tatawag sa dalaga pero wala cyang contact number nito,sa work lang silang nag-uusap. Tinawagan nya ang isa pa nyang executive secretary na si Alex.Lalaki naman ito...ito ang kasa-kasama nya sa field pag-umaalis cya samantalang si Jonie naman ang in-charge sa office kapag wala cya. "Good morning Sir,may kailangan po ba kayo?"bati ni Alex sa kanya nang tawagan nya.Malamang ay nagulat ito dahil wala naman silang pasok sa araw na yun. "Ahm..may personal number ka ba ni Jonie?"Nag-aalangan cyang sabihin iyon,alam kasi nito na hindi sya nanghihingi ng personal number ng mga empleyado."May nakalimutan lang akong ibilin sa kanya."Pagdadahilan nya. "Ano po ba yun Sir?"gusto nyo ako na po ang magsasabi sa kanya?" "No!..ako na." "Ah..okay sige po sir,I'll text you her number."alam nyang nagdududa na ito sa kinikilos nya pero hindi cya magpapahalata.Pagkababa nya ng telepono ay nakatanggap agad cya ng text galing kay Alex...number iyon ni Jonie..Lihim cyang napangiti. Dinayal nya ang telepono ni Jonie...nang magring ito ng isang beses ay agad nyang pinatay.Bigla cyang natauhan...hindi cya dapat ang tatawag kay Jonie kundi ang dalaga.Hindi nya iba-bargain ang sarili nya para sa isang babae!Si Jonie dapat ang lalapit sa kanya at hindi cya!...Kailangan cya ng dalaga kaya sigurado cyang tatawag ito sa kanya. Lintik!!!ang pinaka-ayaw nya talaga sa lahat ay ang pinaghihintay cya!Dumating na ang alas-dose pero wala talaga tawag ang dalaga sa kanya.Bigla cyang nalungkot.Natapos na ang palugit nya sa dalaga...hindi talaga cya gusto ni Jonie...masakit iyon para sa kanya. Biglang tumigas ang ekspresyon ng mukha nya.Ngayon palang cya napahiya sa babae ng ganito...at sa sekretarya pa nya!Bakit sino ba cya?galit na wika nya sa sarili.Kinuha nya ang cellphone at tinawagan si Anne,dito nya ibubuhos ang galit nya ky Jonie. "Hello Ann...are you free today?"wika nya "Hi pogi!mabuti naman at naisipan mo akong tawagan?" "Can we meet?"Sambit nya.Hindi nya sinagot ang tanong nito...kinansel nya kasi ang pagkikita nila dapat ni Ann kahapon dahil na din kay Jonie.Alam nyang susumbatan lang sya nito...Sinabi nya kung saan sila magkikita at pinatay ang telepono. Pumasok na sya ng kwarto at nagbihis.Galit pa din cya...kailangan nyang ma-divert ang atensyon nya kay Jonie.Hindi nya matanggap na binale-wala cya nito!Galit na galit cya...hindi kaya ng pride nya ang ginawa ng dalaga sa kanya.Pagkatapos nyang magbihis ay pumunta na sya ng kotse at pinaharurut iyon palayo..Pupunta sya sa meeting place nila ni Ann. Nauna na cya sa hotel kung saan sila magme-meet ni Ann.Maya-maya pa ay may kumatok na sa hotel room nya.Pagbukas nya ay si Ann iyon.Siniil nya agad ito ng halik...hindi na nya binigyan ng pagkakataon ang babae...dali-dali nyang hinubad ang damit ng dalaga...	LEARN_MORE	https://bioplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=12380&u	Philip Spicy Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61561349855790/	53,878	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn more	bioplm.com	VIDEO	💑🔞Tumakbo siya palayo sa kanya at hinabol siya, hindi makakalipad nang walang pakpak😍💘	https://bioplm.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=12380&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/466774243_871133378513378_2218929530500252631_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kxareStTBEsQ7kNvgERLOzk&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AcjY2idGo2r5mbbaktJWCD8&oh=00_AYDaCbUQzK4jXm0eBWXIfjMd3JTq7W0-VEUTXwzIeU6G3Q&oe=675CBA0F	PERSON_PROFILE	Philip Spicy Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,618,073	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2617541}'	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned 18, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle was always reminding me of how worthless I am. The clearing of a throat makes me jump. I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair. A foot propped up on his knee. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don’t quite look right.	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&	New world publications	https://www.facebook.com/100090352943774/	3,767	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	wwwedb.com	DCO		https://wwwedb.com/market/meganovel/13?lpid=11783&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}&placement={{placement}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/464925444_570262525389257_2973522871162718572_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=KvDdOZQgWEUQ7kNvgHPNJiw&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A0p_km1mHsKT3qduuFUI9Md&oh=00_AYAbYe438xA60-h0pYi80oqPph_NxWeGsBQwldz_bp8fxw&oe=675CB639	PERSON_PROFILE	New world publications	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,784	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2617776}'	Yes	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	My sister Stephanie died on my fourteenth birthday, and everyone suspected I was the murderer. But as fate would have it, James, my sister's boyfriend, the person who hates me the most, is my mate... -- I returned to my pack on my birthday for the anniversary of my sister's death. Six years ago, Stephanie died on my birthday. Rumors spread throughout the pack that I was the cause of her death. I was bullied by everyone, it became unbearable, so I left here. But funny enough, Stephanie was so beloved that everyone should come for the anniversary of her death. Before the ceremony started, I came to the familiar waterfall. As I pray to the Moon Goddess, My wolf Rose start to pace back in forth in my head. I have no idea what is going on, until the overwhelming scent of vanilla and coffee beans hits my nose. "Mate! Lily, our mate is here! Mate, mate, mate, mate, mate!!!" I stand, dust the ashes off of my jeans, and turn around. My heart drops when I recognize the werewolf standing not far away from me. That's a bolt from the blue. There are a million different emotions running through my body as I continue to stare at the werewolf in front of me. “Rose, please tell me this is a joke,” I whisper through our link. “I can’t,” she whispers back. “This is real. He is our mate.” “How? How can this be? It does not make any sense!” I whisper-yell to her. “But he looks pretty happy.” Rose tells me. By the time Rose said something, James had moved much closer to me, and we could now see his eyes and the look on his face. To my utter shock, Rose was right. James looked… happy. No, not happy. James looked thrilled. He stared at me with astonishment, amazement, and… love? “Rose, how is this possible? James hates me. He loves my sister. How could he be our mate? And how could he possibly be happy about it?” “The mate bond is a powerful thing, Lily,” Rose responds. Okay, Rose is right about that. As much as I hate James, I feel a strong, powerful draw to him right now. It is almost suffocating. This is not right. Something is wrong here. I want to protest more… I want to ask how I could be mated to the male that has loved and grieved for my sister and has spread rumors about me causing me to be tortured and shunned for the past six years… Life does not flip on a switch. Six years of heartache cannot be erased so easily. Rose is a wolf, and she is blinded by instinct and the mate bond. My role as her human counterpart is to help us see logic and reason. … but James keeps coming closer to me, the love in his eyes has only become more obvious. And the closer James comes, the more his scent and the mate bond overpowers any sense of logical thought in my brain. James reaches out and gently strokes my cheek with his thumb. The sparks from his touch are my undoing. I lean my face into his palm. “You are back!!! Oh, I cannot believe that you are back!!! How long have I hoped... and prayed that you would come back! And… you are my mate,” he whispers, in a tone suggesting that he is just as shocked as I am. “You are so beautiful. How is it possible for you to become so much more beautiful than before?” I blush as he pulls me into a hug, leans down, and buries his face in my neck. “You smell like chocolate and raspberries. My favorite scents in the entire world.” After taking another big whiff of my scent, James stands up straight so that he can peer into my eyes. He takes my hand and spins me around. “You have changed so much.” “I must say, I always loved your blond hair, but the reddish brown really suits you.” He said. Wait, blond hair? “James, I ----” I haven't finished yet, James leans down and kisses me. His lips feel so soft, and the sparks are so strong, that I immediately forget what I was worrying about. His tongue runs along the seam of my lips, begging for entrance, which I immediately give him. The kiss quickly becomes more and more passionate and heated. We continue kissing until we need to break for air. James smirks proudly, “You, Stephanie Brogan, are mine. All mine.” I felt my world crashing down all around me.	LEARN_MORE	https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10745&u	Indulge in story	https://www.facebook.com/61552702618591/	866	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	getokn.com	DCO		https://getokn.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=10745&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/456814624_1667274690481432_3956193502403313806_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=IFbdOFaJzUkQ7kNvgFhGEwT&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AoE8K5F9SgpUpw3QQUp64QU&oh=00_AYDIIVGgwxJL5tN0KxMb2A-C1hovR-yBvuCYZTldjMQ96w&oe=675CCF18	PERSON_PROFILE	Indulge in story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,618,090	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2618082}'	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	😍Read the next chapters👉	Chapter 1 "You'll have the test results in about an hour." The nurse's smile was gentle and reassuring as she took the vial of blood from Madeline Sanders. Madeline held a cotton swab to her arm and settled into a chair in the waiting area. She was a bit pale, but her eyes sparkled with hope. She had a hunch she was conceived, and that hospital visit was just to make sure. Three years ago, Trevon Gibson was involved in a terrible car crash that left him comatose, with doctors saying he would never wake up. Lydia Sanders, Trevon's high school sweetheart and Madeline's half-sister, did not waste any time and jetted off abroad for her studies. Somehow, Trevon's grandmother—Edith Gibson—figured that Madeline was Trevon's lucky charm and insisted she marry him. The Gibson family promised to care for Madeline's mother, who was lost in her own world of madness. Madeline felt trapped but agreed to the marriage. Little did everyone know that Madeline was secretly in love with Trevon for years. To everyone's surprise, Trevon woke up after the wedding. However, Madeline's joy was short-lived. Trevon's first words to her were icy and calculated. "Out of respect for my grandmother, I'll take you as Mrs. Gibson for three years. When Lydia returns in three years, I will marry her." Madeline had braced herself to play along with that deal, ready to step aside when the time came. However, life threw a curveball a month and a half ago. Trevon stumbled home after drowning his sorrows in wine that day, and Madeline single-handedly managed to drag him inside. Supporting a drunken Trevon was like moving a boulder—each step a battle of strength. Madeline and Trevon could no longer keep themselves upright and crumpled to the floor just inside the front door. Their lips brushed together in the fall, an accidental kiss that sent Madeline's heart racing. Trevon was a notorious germaphobe, avoiding physical contact like the plague. However, that unexpected kiss seemed to unlock something in him, and he leaned in for another. Madeline was caught off guard, but she did not resist. Later, in the quiet aftermath, Madeline could not bear to stay in the bed they shared. She tiptoed around the sleeping Trevon, erasing any trace of what had happened between them. The hospital was a hive of activity, but Madeline felt alone in the crowd. With trembling hands, she opened the lab results. 'Early stage of conceive. Recommend a follow-up ultrasound.' Joy flickered across her face, quickly hidden behind her hand to muffle her giggles. Regardless of the state of her marriage, that baby was a precious gift. She was eager to tell Trevon, her fingers hovering over her phone. However, she hesitated. Trevon's germaphobia was not just about objects—it extended to people. She had seen him scrub his hands raw after a mere handshake. However, wine had loosened his inhibitions that one night. Would he believe the baby was his? Doubt clouded Madeline's mind, bringing a headache and a wave of nausea. She was jostled as a group of doctors in white coats rushed by, nearly sending her phone flying. "Emergency! Please step aside," a nurse said, flashing Madeline a quick, apologetic smile before dashing off. Madeline took a deep breath, watching the commotion unfold. Her gaze drifted to the emergency room doors without much thought. However, in a heartbeat, her eyes widened in shock. Trevon was there, shielding Lydia as they stepped down from the ambulance. He guided her gently onto a stretcher and, with a team around them, made a beeline for the VIP suite. A chilling shiver sliced through Madeline, her knees buckling as she clung to the nearby railing for support. Lydia was back. In the hospital room, the doctor briefed Trevon. "It seems like a mild concussion, but we'll need the test results to be sure." Trevon's expression was serious. "Speed it up. Use the VIP route." Lydia, stretched out on the gurney, smiled weakly at Trevon. "You're always so kind to me." Lydia pouted as she continued, "I wasn't paying attention. Who would've thought a bike bump could lead to a concussion? In Ameristan, people usually slow down on their own." Trevon gave her a fleeting, detached look. A flicker of worry crossed Lydia's face. "Trevon, with Skylandia's tight deadlines, isn't my accident going to set us back a lot?" Skylandia was the latest venture from Trevon's gaming empire, Xystos Tech, and Lydia had returned to lead the art on it. "I won't stay here. I have to get back to work," she declared, attempting to get out of bed. Trevon was quick to intervene, his hand on her shoulder easing her back down. "Don't be childish." As the tender scene unfolded, Madeline watched them outside the VIP room with gritted teeth. Trevon was notorious for his meticulous ways, but he did have a soft spot. He was not always distant. He just saved all his warmth for Lydia. Madeline felt a wave of emotion as she teared up. She touched her nose and fought the tears. Without really knowing why, she found herself pulling out her phone and calling Trevon. In the sterile silence of the hospital room, Trevon's face froze for a moment as he checked his phone, then casually handed it off to his assistant, Simon Taylors. "Tell her I'm tied up in a meeting." Madeline's heart clenched as Trevon's annoyed expression flickered across his face. Simon, moving to the side, answered Madeline's call softly. "Hello, Mrs. Gibson. Mr. Gibson is busy in a meeting. Is there something you need?" Madeline's lips twitched with a defeated smile. "No, it's nothing. I just hit the wrong button." Simon frowned. "Mr. Gibson's schedule is packed. Please be more careful in the future, Mrs. Gibson." The future? Was there even a future to speak of? Lydia, overhearing Simon, gave Trevon a subtle glance. She casually showed off the pink Hello Kitty bandage on her hand. Trevon's eyes snapped to it, his voice laced with a hint of longing. "You still haven't kicked that old habit, I see." Lydia forced a smile. "Well, you know I've always been fond of Hello Kitty." Their eyes met, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to soften. Madeline could not stand it any longer. Clutching her phone, she turned around and left. She thought one night could change things, but it was just wishful thinking. Despite the autumn season, Redenbaugh City was sweltering, and the hospital's air conditioning was cranked up, sending chills down her spine. She felt light-headed, as if she were floating on air. Suddenly, a little boy darted into her path, bumping into her. Madeline's face went pale as she caught the little boy, but in doing so, she lost her footing and tumbled to the ground. The fall sent a chill up her spine, and she held her belly, too afraid to move. The boy, however, started wailing, drawing curious glances from passersby. His mother rushed over and gave him a quick once-over. When she found him unscathed, she pulled him into a tight embrace before turning to Madeline with fury. "Can't you watch where you're going? You ran into my baby! How will you make this right?" Madeline, her mind on the baby she was carrying, bit back her pain and chose not to retaliate. Instead, she made her way to the maternity ward upstairs. The mother was not having it, yanking on Madeline's arm. "You think you can just hit someone and leave?" Madeline, nearly tripping over, turned slightly and offered calmly, "Should we review the security footage?" The woman, clutching her son, stormed off. Madeline felt her vision darken as she clutched her chest. She leaned against the railing, immobilized. In the VIP ward, Lydia gazed at Trevon longingly and leaned in for a kiss. Trevon, who was aloof, felt a wave of nausea as she got close. His vision blurred, and his chest tightened. He flinched and shoved Lydia away. Chapter 2 "Here's the divorce agreement. Take a look." Trevon, fresh from the hospital, confronted Madeline with a request for divorce. The image of Lydia's hurt look lingered in his mind, leaving him with a sense of resignation. His rejection was not just about his aversion to germs. It was also the sudden sickness and weakness that overtook him. He dismissed it as a one-off, which was not worth worrying about. However, faced with Madeline, the discomfort was undeniable. Madeline, still reeling from her hospital visit, was blindsided by the divorce papers laid out before her. It took a moment for her to find her voice, and when she did, it quivered. "Do we really have to end this?" "Yes." Madeline's grip tightened, and the question she could not suppress spilled out. "Is it because Lydia's back?" Trevon loosened his tie, his face turning to stone. "Didn't I make myself clear three years ago?" He had, and she had accepted it. However… "If... Just if..." Madeline hesitated, biting her lip. Trevon was impatient. "Madeline, you can't always want more." She looked up sharply, disbelief etched on her face. Did he think she was haggling over the divorce terms? With several deliberate taps on the table, Trevon continued, "Indeed, you've done everything required of being a wife these past three years. There's a modest place near Johnsrud. It's yours now. That's the best I can do. Don't make me lose respect for you." Madeline's response was trapped in her throat as she smiled bitterly. Three years of marriage, and her reward was a house. Should she be thankful? He was determined to get the divorce over with, by any means necessary. There was no need to mention the baby. It would only complicate how he saw her. She did not need a man whose heart belonged to another. Madeline felt nauseous, feeling like she needed to purge immediately. She crouched down to clutch the bin and gagged, but nothing came up. Trevon watched, his brow furrowed in disbelief. Why did her sickness stir something in him? Was it a mere coincidence? Seeing her ashen face, it was clear she was unwell. Trevor gave Madeline a questioning look. "Are you sick? When did it start? What's wrong?" Madeline felt the urge to throw up but could not, which only intensified her discomfort. Clinging to the trash can seemed like the only thing she could do. At the sound of his question, her fingers tensed uncontrollably. She forced a casual response. "Maybe it's just a cold. No big deal." "Answer me!" His voice turned sharp, sending a jolt through Madeline, and she murmured almost without thinking. "This afternoon, when you were… I'm just feeling a bit of chest tightness, weak limbs, and a touch of nausea. Typical cold symptoms." She did not bring up the hospital visit, quickly labeling it a cold to avoid any wild guesses. The timing and the symptoms lined up perfectly. 'So, it's because we caught a cold at the same time?' Trevon wondered. Madeline finally let go of her resistance. She deliberately avoided the divorce papers on the table and fetched the sour orange she had bought earlier from the fridge. Her mouth was unbearably uncomfortable, and she craved the relief of something sour. After all, she would need some strength in her hand to sign those papers. The moment she took out the sour orange, its tangy scent filled the room. Catching a glimpse of Trevon standing to the side, watching her with a frown, she hesitated before offering, "Want one?" Trevon looked away, clearly uninterested. Madeline chuckled awkwardly. "Sorry, it slipped my mind. You're not into sour stuff." However, as she sliced into the vibrant sour orange and its juicy interior burst with a potent tangy aroma, Trevon seemed unable to look away. Madeline was about to take a bite when she noticed Trevon approaching. His towering presence felt like a wall closing in, making the kitchen feel smaller by the second. Instinctively, Madeline stepped back. "If you don't like it, then I'll just..." Before she could finish, Trevon was at the sink, lathering up with soap, washing his hands with deliberate care three times before reaching for a piece of the sour orange. He scrunched his forehead, eyeing the orange for a long moment before popping it into his mouth. Madeline's jaw dropped in astonishment. However, Trevon did not spit it out. He chewed thoughtfully and swallowed before looking at her seriously. "Next time, make sure the knife's washed three times, okay?" The urge to bite into that tangy orange slice was irresistible. Sure enough, the sour kick seemed to soothe his queasy stomach. It was not just some bug. His nausea had kicked in right after Madeline's, as if he was only sick because she was. What was up with that? Trevon made a mental note to get to the bottom of it. Madeline gave a simple "Oh" in response. They finished the orange together, a moment of closeness they had not felt in three years. After washing her hands, Madeline looked up at Trevon. Sharing that sour fruit seemed to have bridged the gap between them, if only a little. However, their journey together was nearing its end. She murmured, "I'll sign the divorce papers." It was like cashing out after three years. A million and five hundred thousand, and a house to her name. She was coming out ahead. When she was about to sign, Trevon snatched the papers away. "We'll add another house to the deal. Wait for the lawyer's final draft." Madeline nodded, still in a daze. Suddenly, Trevon's phone buzzed and Lydia's whiny voice came through as he picked up the call. "Trevon, when are you coming? I'm bored." Madeline gripped her pen so hard her thumb whitened, nearly snapping it. Trevon ended the call, grabbed his jacket, and headed for the door. Madeline stepped forward, her voice tinged with concern. "How am I supposed to explain this to Grandma?" "We'll talk when I'm back," Trevon replied before the door slammed shut behind him. The house, once filled with life, echoed with emptiness. Madeline chuckled at herself, shook off the silence, and went to the kitchen to whip up some noodles. After all, she had to think about the little one growing inside her. A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Expecting Trevon, who might have forgotten something, she swung the door open only to be greeted by unwelcome faces. Madeline's warmth vanished. "What are you two doing here?" Cilix Sanders, her father, smiled and said, "You weren't picking up, so your mom and I thought we'd drop by." Her phone did show a string of missed calls. Ignoring their calls was nothing new, but their sudden visit was unexpected. "My mom's lost her mind, locked up in Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital. Did you forget to visit her, or did you forget she's there?" Skylar Lowe, Madeline's stepmother, stood beside Cilix in her flawless outfit. She looked nothing like someone who had toiled in the fields. However, her sharp and calculative eyes matched her biting tone. "Such disrespect! Where are your manners?" Madeline was furious. If she truly lacked manners, Skylar would have been long gone. It was Skylar's appearance, after all, that had tipped her mother over the edge. However, Madeline had been biding her time, collecting proof. They would all pay, eventually. Pushing down the bile, she asked coolly, "So, what brings you here?" "Let's talk inside," was all they said. Once they were in, Madeline poured water into two glasses, her hands steady as stone. Madeline's calm and compliant facade only fueled Skylar's ego. With an arrogant head tilt, she announced, "Your sister's back in town. It's time you end things with Trevon and give up your title as Mrs. Gibson to her!" Madeline fought the impulse to douse Skylar with water as she gripped the kettle firmly. "Give it up? I'm not following you." Madeline's gaze shifted to Cilix. "You told me when Trevon was in that coma, the company was strapped for cash. Marrying Trevon was the only way to afford my mom's medical bills. I married into the Gibson family for the sake of the Sanders family. How did Lydia end up taking my place as the daughter-in-law of the Gibson family?" Chapter 3 "I was looking out for the Sanders family too," Cilix said as he sipped his water. "The Sanders-Gibson family alliance is crucial. Three years by Trevon's side, and what? No kids, no hold on his heart, no benefits for the Sanders family. Now that Lydia's back, along with her bond with Trevon, these issues will vanish. I can even afford better care for your mother." Cilix's duplicity struck Madeline once more. Madeline countered, "Did you forget why Lydia left the country? Or do you think the Gibsons have forgotten too?" "That's why we're asking you to initiate the divorce with Trevon," Cilix replied. Madeline saw right through their plot. She would step aside, letting Lydia take the lead, and the Sanders family would reap all the rewards. After a tense silence, Madeline broke the ice. "I'm willing to divorce Trevon, but on one condition. I want my mom's shares—the ones she's entitled to." Cilix instantly became furious. Once upon a time, the Sanders family was a picture of unity. Cilix, who came from nothing, married Bella Ziegler—Madeline's mother—and quickly turned his fortune around with a garment factory. However, Bella paid a steep price, severing ties with her own family. It was not until Skylar—previously 'Jolene', with her kids in tow—showed up that Bella realized the magnitude of her mistake. She battled depression for years, and the strain of the revelation only deepened her illness. That was when Cilix dropped the divorce bomb. He played the bankruptcy card during the split, claiming all assets were tied up. Bella was left with scraps. However, once the divorce papers were signed, Cilix's business miraculously bounced back. Ever the opportunist, Cilix kept footing Bella's medical bills, basking in the glow of his newfound reputation. Madeline only pieced it all together as she grew up—her mother had been played. She had been nursing a plan to set things right ever since. The meeting ended with frosty treatment all around. Madeline shut the door behind them, collapsed onto the couch, and lost herself in the darkness outside the window. … Dawn's light crept into the room. Madeline shielded her eyes and took a moment to adjust before getting up reluctantly. Nausea washed over her in an unforgiving wave. Trevon had not come home all night. Madeline's emotions were a mess—resignation laced with a hint of disappointment. However, above all, there was relief. It was as if her decision to let go the day before had freed her from hope. Madeline sank back into the pillows. The click of the electronic lock signaled an arrival at the door. Madeline glanced up, and there was Lydia, swathed in designer elegance, striding in with a smile that could light up the room. "Madeline, it's been ages." Rising slowly, Madeline perched on the edge of the couch, her eyes a storm of loathing. "Who said you could come in? Leave!" Lydia's smile only grew. "Trevon sent me, of course. He spent last night at the hospital with me, then dashed off to work at dawn. He asked me to pick up a suit for him." A shadow crossed Madeline's face. So, Trevon was with Lydia last night. She had waited like a fool on that couch all night long, clinging to his promise. 'We'll talk when I get back.' "You're just like your mother, always the homewrecker," Madeline spat. Lydia's laughter rang out. "Who's the real homewrecker? It's the unloved one. Even the lock's code is my birthday. Trevon's heart is still with me. Madeline, you've been using my birthday to open this door for the past three years. That must sting, doesn't it?" Madeline's eyes flickered, her grip tightening on the blanket. She inhaled sharply before smiling mockingly. "Is technology that archaic where you come from? We've moved on to facial recognition, or fingerprints at the very least. Key codes are a thing of the past." Lydia's smile faltered, her composure slipping for a split second. "Outdated or not, Trevon's word is law." Madeline could not be bothered with petty squabble. Her nausea was getting worse. She gestured toward Trevon's bedroom. "His stuff's in there. Help yourself." With a smug grin, Lydia disappeared into the room and emerged moments later, a bundle of clothes in her arms. Before she took off, she sauntered over to Madeline, flashed her hand, and there it was—a dazzling diamond ring. There was also that cutesy pink bandage on her finger. "My mom says you're dragging your feet on the divorce—kinda funny, don't you think? Trevon's put a ring on it, so why embarrass yourself? Time to get a clue." She leaned in, whispering to Madeline, "Face it, you've never been able to outdo me in anything since we were kids." Old memories came rushing back. Her favorite things, her mentors, her dad, her very home—Lydia had snatched them all away with just a few words. Madeline squinted and swiftly yanked the bandage off Lydia's hand. "You've always been into taking my stuff, huh?" She eyed Lydia's pristine hand and tossed the bandage into the bin with a look of disgust. "Bandages are disposable. Get a new one, and it's as good as ever. However, you know what's really scary about a guy who's been down the aisle twice?" Madeline rose to her feet, locking eyes with Lydia as she smiled slyly. "It's the lingering lessons from his ex. His style, habits, tastes, thoughts—they're all tinged with the ghost of the woman before you. Chew on that. Good luck." "Madeline!" Ignoring her, Madeline grabbed a bag of clothes and thrust it into Lydia's arms. "So long, no need for goodbyes!" Behind the wheel on her way to work, Lydia smacked the steering wheel, Madeline's parting shot replaying in her head. The phone buzzed. Lydia answered with a huff. "What's up with the wake-up call?" Wren Naylor, Lydia's assistant, hesitated before speaking up with caution. "Ms. Sanders, the planning team wants to add an illustrator to the project. They've already picked someone out." "They've what now? Since when does planning get to call the shots on art hires? They really need to stay in their lane." Wren stayed quiet. Lydia bit back her frustration. "Alright, I'm heading to the office soon. I'll sort it out with them." Instead of going to her department when she arrived at the office, Lydia went to the top floor to drop off some clothes for Trevon. Trevon accepted the clothes, but his brow creased in confusion. Lydia felt a twinge of worry. "Something wrong with the clothes?" They were definitely not his usual brand. Madeline would not slip up like that. "Madeline wasn't there when you picked these up?" Realizing the brand mismatch, Lydia understood her mistake. Madeline's earlier words echoed in her head. Lydia bit her lip, looking hurt. "Madeline just handed me these and shooed me out when I arrived. You know she's never been fond of me." She sighed resignedly and continued, "Typical Madeline, knowing you're in a rush and still acting petty with me. Should I run to the store and grab you a new set?" Trevon cut her off. "Don't bother. You've got work to do." Lydia clammed up, stepping back into silence. Trevon let out a quiet sigh. "Don't sweat it. It's not your fault. Clothes are the least of our worries. We've got the Skylandia project to focus on." In just a week, Skylandia would unveil its magical realms to eager eyes, with artistry at its heart. Lydia, fresh from her hiatus, was steering that ship—the crown jewel of the year for Xystos Tech. She knew the drill, but duty called, and she stepped out with a promise to return for lunch. Madeline, alone then, rinsed a handful of cherry tomatoes, trying to quell the unease bubbling inside her. She scrolled through her phone, the barrage of prenatal check-ups looming large and daunting. Midway through her meticulous note-taking, the doorbell chimed. She opened the door to find Simon pulling a long face. Chapter 4 "Mr. Gibson sent me some clothes." Madeline raised an eyebrow. "Again?" Simon's eyes flickered with annoyance as he asked, "Why'd you send Mrs. Yagle's clothes?" Simon referred to Trevon's mom, Riley Yagle—a woman whose kindness was only matched by her absentmindedness. Madeline recalled the ill-fitting, off-brand clothes that Trevon probably ditched without a second thought. "Mr. Gibson says, 'Don't get snippy and hold things up,'" Simon relayed with a hint of sternness. Madeline could not help but chuckle, amused by his blind trust. "Lydia told Trevon I picked out the clothes?" Did Trevon need to believe everything Lydia said? Simon rushed her along. Madeline handed him a fresh set of clothes, but her grip lingered as she responded steadily. "Simon, you've been Trevon's right-hand man for what, three, four years now? Do you realize why you're still at the bottom rung, just an assistant? You're good at sizing people up by their titles, but that's not really a skill an assistant needs. Why don't you take a page from Mr. Harris's book?" Trevon did have a star assistant—Daniel Harris—who was so capable that he was sent overseas to handle big deals. That was when Simon got the call to step in. Simon's face went through a mixture of pale and flushed as he absorbed her criticism. Madeline, who was usually quiet, had just thrown shade in his face. He bit back his retort, finally huffing in annoyance and storming off. Madeline let out a soft laugh, brushing off the encounter. With visiting hours ticking closer, Madeline headed to Sunshine Psychiatric Hospital to see Bella. It was more of a wellness retreat than a hospital, nestled right next to Redenbaugh City's fanciest private clinic. Getting in was not easy, but thanks to the Gibson family pulling strings, Bella got a spot. Madeline wheeled her mom out into the courtyard, catching her up on the week's gossip and happenings. Bella was her usual self—unresponsive and staring off into space. Madeline sighed and took her mom's hand, resting it gently on her belly. "Mom, right here, there's a little one on the way. Even with Trevon talking about divorce, I'm keeping this baby. You've got to come back to us. Who will help me with this little one if you don't?" She nestled against Bella's legs, craving the comfort of her mother's presence. Unseen by Madeline, Bella's eyes flickered—a brief, almost missed flutter. "Madeline?" A voice, laced with surprise, called out for her. Madeline looked up to see a man in a lab coat looking her way. The sun was blinding, and Madeline squinted without recognizing the figure before her. There was something oddly familiar about the silhouette. It was not until he was close that she could see it was Caleb Jabs, her old college friend. With a warm smile, Caleb teased, "Madeline, can't you recognize an old friend after just three years?" He opened his arms for a hug, like nothing had changed. Madeline hesitated, then offered a hand for a handshake instead. Caleb's smile faltered, then returned. "Right, we're not on campus anymore." He shook her hand before releasing it, stealing a glance at the wedding ring on her finger. Through their chat, Madeline learned that he had just returned from overseas and that his uncle was running the local private hospital. Caleb nodded toward Bella with a slight smile. "And who is this?" Madeline's smile vanished. "My mom. She's been like this since she had a breakdown three years ago." A breakdown? It looked serious, as if she had lost all touch with the world. What could have caused it? Caleb pushed down his questions, his heart aching for Madeline. "These past three years must've been tough on you." Madeline seemed more grounded than in her college days, but her eyes were shadowed with concern. Madeline shook her head. "It's time for us to head back." She was not one to bare her soul to just anyone. As she rose to leave, she wobbled slightly. Caleb reached out to steady her. "You're looking a bit pale. Maybe you should get checked out." Madeline steadied herself and took a step back. "It's just low blood sugar. I'm fine." Caleb watched Madeline sidestep with a calm smile, not the least bit ruffled. "Back in college, you were always dealing with low blood sugar. Still battling that, huh? Skipped breakfast today?" He was already taking the wheelchair's handles as he spoke, and Madeline allowed it. They got Bella settled and swapped numbers. Then, Caleb pressed a chocolate bar into her hand. "For your sugar levels, have a bite." Madeline's laughter bubbled up. "Caleb, you still keep chocolate on you after all this time?" "Just a habit," he said with a chuckle. That little piece of chocolate seemed to bridge the gap that had grown between them. "How about lunch? It's already noon." Madeline bit her lip, uncertain. However, Caleb was already tugging her along. "There's this great little place I know nearby. You'll love it." Trevon managed to swing by the hospital after his meeting wrapped up. The doctors gave him a clean bill of health. They suggested bringing Madeline in, thinking she might be the key to why he felt off. He left the hospital with that thought, only to see Madeline and Caleb, all smiles, heading into a cozy diner. Madeline's smile was something new, something he had never seen, and it stopped him in his tracks. He took a moment before climbing into his car. From the driver's seat, Simon caught Trevon in the mirror. "Mr. Gibson, wasn't that Mrs. Gibson? Should we pick her up?" Trevon watched them disappear into the diner, a place he would never dream of entering. "No, let's not," he murmured. Simon arched an eyebrow, shot a look of faint scorn at the diner, and sped off. Trevon was reclining in the back seat, eyes closed, soaking in a moment of peace. A few minutes in, a wave of relief washed over him, leaving him feeling surprisingly refreshed. It took him a moment to realize that he was embodying Madeline's happiness. What could possibly be so special about that little shop to make her that cheerful? However, that sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles they served was exceptional—tangy and invigorating. It had been days since Madeline had enjoyed a meal so thoroughly. She even decided to get an extra serving to go. Caleb chuckled. "Noodles never taste as good reheated. Wait, didn't you love spicy food? What's with the switch?" Madeline smiled. "I haven't really switched. This is just that good." She was known for her love of spicy dishes, and even Trevon, the health nut, had found his tastes swayed by her. It was hard to argue with Madeline's culinary magic. Her cooking was irresistible to most. Back home, Madeline had barely set down her takeout when her phone rang. It was Yeneth Collins, her best friend. "Madeline, I've got some good and bad news." Feeling a bit worn out, Madeline sank into the couch. "Go on." "The good news is that you've been chosen to draw the new character for Skylandia. They've sent the contract over to you already." A spark of excitement flickered across Madeline's face as she reached for her laptop to check her email. "And the bad news?" Yeneth sighed heavily. "Lydia is the new art director for Skylandia. She just got the job today. I wouldn't have pushed you to take this gig if I'd known." Since marrying Trevon right after college, Madeline had not returned to the workforce, finding solace and passion in her art. Her style was distinctive, not exactly mainstream, with a focus on creating captivating illustrations. When Yeneth got involved with Skylandia, she thought Madeline's artwork was a perfect fit and put her name forward. Madeline smiled. "No way. The contract's terms are decent. Can't miss an opportunity of making money just because of her." She was always hustling for cash, especially with Bella's medical bills piling up. It meant biting her tongue whenever the Sanders family got tight-fisted. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" "Totally. I freelance under the name 'Lily Mora'. Who will connect the dots?" Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a door swinging open as Trevon walked in. Chapter 5 Madeline's instinct was to snap her laptop shut. "Give me a second." She quickly ended the call and turned to face Trevon. "What's got you home at this hour?" Trevon eyed her hurried movements and washed his hands before replying, "Just needed to pick something up." Madeline responded with a noncommittal hum. His gaze landed on a nearby takeaway box. It was the sour beef and cabbage soup with noodles. It looked just like the one she had had for lunch. Was it really that tasty? A jolt of panic hit Madeline, and she blurted out, "It's for Yeneth, not me." Back when they were newlyweds, Madeline had grabbed some street sausages, and Trevon had gone into a tailspin, bombarding her with articles about the filth of street vendors and the dangers of eating out. Since then, she had avoided eating street food around him. However, she had slipped up and forgotten to stash the evidence. Trevon's chuckle was detached as his eyes drifted to a notebook on the table. Madeline's heart was pounding, and she pushed aside the wave of nausea to dash toward the notebook—her secret journal of conceive appointments. The last thing she wanted was for Trevon to find out she was expecting. However, Trevon was quicker. He stretched out his arm and lifted the notebook from Madeline's reach. Without regard for her protests, he calmly flipped it open. The 'Prenatal Appointment Schedule' header stared back at him. He raised an eyebrow, his cool gaze landing on Madeline. Madeline felt her heart jump into her throat. "Is this for Yeneth, too?" Trevon asked. "Huh?" Caught off guard, Madeline quickly nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Yeneth's getting married, thinking about having kids, so I was helping her research." Trevon's suspicion did not wane. "So, why the panic?" Madeline's forehead creased. She let go of the notebook and looked away. "I didn't want you to think I was up to something." Madeline's beauty was marred by her recent illness. Her pale face was then tinged with the flush of sickness, making her look even more vulnerable. Trevon felt a twinge in his chest, and his annoyance grew. Her cold was messing with his work. He tossed the notebook back to Madeline. "I don't have time for this. You should be resting, not running around. If you show up to a divorce proceeding looking like this, people will think I'm the bad guy." Madeline silently clutched the notebook with her head bowed. … At the steakhouse, Lydia stared at her barely touched steak, her mood souring by the minute. When she heard Trevon returned to the Angelic Garden Residence, her annoyance turned to outright anger. "Madeline, that witch!" She whipped out her phone and dialed Skylar's number. Madeline had just reviewed the casting call from Skylandia, wrapped up her draft, and was stretching after a long day when Skylar's call came through. "Get over here tonight. If you don't show up, I'm tossing your mom's stuff." The line went dead. Madeline thought she had taken care of all Bella's things, so what could possibly be left at the Sanders' place? She could not risk it, so she hailed a cab and headed over. The Sanders' mansion was ablaze with lights, screaming new money from every gilded corner. Madeline stood at the entrance, taking in the garish display, and figured Skylar was behind it. Skylar greeted her with a grin, tugging her inside. "I just knew you'd come." Madeline jerked her hand away. "Cut the act, Skylar. There's no one else here. I did what you asked, so where's my mom's stuff?" Chapter 6 Before Skylar could answer, a sharp snap echoed from the side. "Madeline, watch how you talk to my mom!" It was Yale Sanders, Lydia's little brother. With his shoulder-length purple hair and arms sleeved in tattoos, he looked every bit the wannabe gangster. He had been coddled by Skylar all his life, and with the Sanders' wealth, he had gathered a gang of street toughs to back him up. Madeline did not expect him to be there but gave him a cool look and brushed him off. Just then, Cilix descended the stairs, his voice cutting through the air. "Yale!" Yale sulked, his lips puckered as he flopped onto the sofa, clearly annoyed. Cilix motioned for Madeline to take a seat at the dining table. "It's not every day we get your sister back home. I figured a family dinner was in order. Have a seat, will you? I had Mom whip up your favorite fish tacos." Skylar quickly dished some out for her. The oily sheen and the subtle fishy scent made Madeline wrinkle her nose and push the plate away. "I caught a cold and lost my appetite. I'm just here to grab a few things, and I'll be out." Cilix squinted, and Skylar, unable to contain herself, plopped down next to Madeline. "When are you planning on divorcing Trevon, huh? Your dad and I have already scoped out a new guy for you. He's ready to tie the knot and won't wait forever." A resigned feeling washed over Madeline. With a mocking smile, she murmured, "Really? Who's this wonderful match?" Skylar perked up and replied, "He's from a solid family. One of your dad's business partners. The guy owns a string of factories. Marry him, and you'll be the boss. They wouldn't even look twice at a divorcee if it wasn't for your dad's connections." She made it sound like a fairy tale. Madeline cut to the chase. "The owner of these factories? How old?" Skylar hesitated, then chuckled. "Not too old. He's just a bit over forty and in the prime of his life. It'll be your second marriage, so you can't afford to be choosy. Plus, they've promised to cut your dad a deal if you marry in. Consider it a tribute to your mom." Three years had passed, and Madeline's disdain for her family's ways was as strong as ever. She glared at Cilix. "Over forty? You're okay with this, being not much older yourself?" Cilix looked pained as he spoke, "Skylar's just trying to do what's best for you. Remarrying and bringing your mom into the mix, finding someone okay with that wasn't easy. Skylar really went out of her way for you." Skylar nodded earnestly. It had indeed been a challenge. Madeline needed to be married off and kept far away to avoid causing Lydia any more headaches. "Don't worry, the guy doesn't have kids. Everything in the future will be yours and your children's. It's a real stroke of luck." Madeline suddenly chimed in, "It's true. These kinds of terms are hard to come by. You've really outdone yourself, but…" Breaking from her usual composure, Madeline locked eyes with Cilix. "I was clear yesterday. I just want what my mom is entitled to—her shares. Those shares are peanuts compared to being Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family." Cilix remained expressionless, but his eyes were calculative. "Your mom's shares?" Thinking she had swayed Cilix, Skylar piped up in a shrill tone. "What shares does her mother have? The Sanders family fortune is all thanks to me and Cilix. It's got nothing to do with your loony mom." Madeline's glare whipped towards Skylar, sharp enough to shut her up. "Apologize." "Why should I? Your mom's the crazy one." Without warning, a cup of scalding water splashed across Skylar's face, and she let out a scream. However, before Madeline could react, she was yanked back forcefully. A second later, she was punched in the face. "You owe her an apology!" Chapter 7 Each word Yale spat was accompanied by a punch landing on Madeline. Madeline shielded herself with her purse, narrowly avoiding a serious injury. Blinded by anger, she had not thought things through, never imagining Yale would actually hit her. Conceived had left her weak, and she could only dodge Yale's vicious blows in a clumsy dance of desperation. The Sanders family seemed petrified by the spectacle, each too scared to even twitch. Cilix wanted to speak, but Skylar cut him off. "What's Yale got, a little muscle? Let her take a hit. It might teach her to listen." Cilix's face darkened as he sat back down. She had written her dad off long ago, but the sting of disappointment was as sharp as ever. As Yale moved in again, Madeline knew she was on her own. With a swift kick, she toppled a chair and snatched a fruit knife from the table, aiming it straight at him. "One more step, and I swear I'll stab you!" Yale, thrown off by the chair, nearly slipped. He wiped his mouth and sneered. "You think you've got the guts?" Knife in hand, Madeline's face was ghostly, but her eyes blazed with defiance, "Try me. I'm still Mrs. Gibson of the Gibson family. If I take you down, they'll make sure it never sees the light of day." Her gaze flicked to Cilix. "You think our dad's got the spine to cross the Gibsons for you?" Yale did not budge. Skylar stepped forward with a nervous chuckle. "Come on, we're family. Knives? Really? Madeline, put it down." Madeline looked at Skylar icily and aimed the knife at her. "Stay back." Skylar froze, then looked pleadingly at Cilix. Cilix broke the silence. "Madeline, what's going on?" Madeline stood there with a cold expression, ignoring the blood that had started to drip from the corner of her mouth. She bit her lip, refusing to say a word. The recent scuffle had taken a toll on her, leaving her with a heavy feeling in her chest. She was afraid she would throw up if she opened her mouth. However, she was determined not to let them see her weakness. Amid the tense moment, the nanny burst in with unexpected joy. "Mr. Gibson and Ms. Sanders have arrived!" The pair entered the room. Trevon's face was a mask of seriousness, his lips pressed into a thin line. Lydia, catching sight of the knife in Madeline's grip, let out a sharp cry. "Madeline! Why are you holding a knife? What are you planning to do?" Cilix rose swiftly to welcome Trevon. "Mr. Gibson, please come in. Let's sit and talk. Madeline, put that knife down now." With a glance at Trevon, Madeline reluctantly set the knife aside. Skylar exhaled in relief and grumbled, "This is all Madeline's doing, causing a scene for no reason. Since when do we bring knives into family disputes?" Madeline inhaled deeply, pushing down the wave of nausea, and retorted with a frosty laugh. "So, now it's all my fault, just like that? I'm trying to do the right thing here, and I'm still the one to blame?" "Is this enough for you?" Trevon's voice, frosty and laced with anger, cut through the room. He had been feeling sick to his stomach the whole way there. That sensation had become all too familiar in the last couple of days, and he did not need to guess—it was Madeline's doing again. He had warned her just at lunchtime to take it easy, but what did she do? She ran off to her family's home to pick a fight, knife in hand. She might not be bothered by it, but he was fed up. The room fell silent. Madeline looked at him in disbelief. Was he really going to blame her without even asking why? Trevon had no interest in dragging out the conversation. He grabbed Madeline's hand and led her away with urgency. Madeline stumbled as he pulled her along, a sharp pain throbbing in her heart. Lydia tried to keep up, her voice tinged with concern. "Trevon, you haven't eaten yet." He barely paused, his voice dismissive. "Some other time." With that, he ushered Madeline into the car and shut the door behind her.	LEARN_MORE	https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&ut	Random Reading	https://www.facebook.com/61560831098071/	21	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	beokn.com	DCO		https://beokn.com/market/buenovela/3?lpid=10922&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/449519236_1046539403757177_3822833957968181908_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=74cSYssdTNsQ7kNvgEB5Bu_&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AFe0VEYaaEZF25ebXC-hTCl&oh=00_AYAA_wY6KVN9shGh933HI1BUkKO0gimpHCO1CdXbwEnVlA&oe=675CB566	PERSON_PROFILE	Random Reading	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,558	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2617556}'	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	🔞Attention! Do not read in public！👉	One Neah “Where the heck is she?” I hear the Beta scream. I already knew Beta Kyle was talking about me, the only servant of the house. I groan and get to my feet, grabbing the cleaning basket and taking it with me. The moment Beta Kyle sees me, he strides towards me and his hand slices against my cheek. I don’t make a sound. Years of experience has taught me to keep my mouth shut at all times and only speak when spoken too, even if what they are doing to me hurts. “Alpha Trey and I are expecting company and you still have not cleaned the office like you were asked.” Beta Kyle spits at me I nod my head and my hand tightens on the cleaning basket. If I could just find the courage to swing it at his head, it would make my day. I resisted, he was stronger than me and I didn’t need locking up for another week with no food. My stomach already hurt enough. “We are trying to make a good impression on Alpha Dane. Do you not understand how important it is for us to join ourselves with his pack?!” I don’t answer, I know it's a trick, to try and get me to say something so that he can give himself a reason to punish me. I keep my eyes low so that I didn’t have to look at his face. Alpha Dane, I had only ever heard rumours about him. Words exchanged between the other pack members when I was in the room. From what I gathered, he was a ruthless man, a Wolf feared by others. He didn’t mess around and he had the largest pack. “He is the Alpha of Black Shadow, the biggest pack in the world, we need him!” Beta Kyle continues. Yet he doesn’t tell me why. We had never been attacked and we had never attacked anyone, so why did we need another pack to help us? He places his hands on my shoulders, digging his nails into my thinning skin and turns me around, kicking me in the but as he shoves me towards the office. ”Useless Wolf.” He mutters as he moves away. Quietly closing the door, I lean back against it, observing the already clean office. There was nothing out of place, it looked perfectly fine for a meeting with this so-called powerful Alpha. Closing my eyes, I slide down to the floor. I hated this house. I thought that when I turned eighteen, I could finally escape, but four years later, here I still am, a slave in my own home. Doing all the dirty tasks for my brother, Alpha Trey and the pack. While my ex mate, Beta Kyle waltzes around reminding me of how worthless I am. Someone clears their throat and I freeze, I thought I was alone. Leaning forward, I see a handsome man sitting in a chair, just around the corner. A foot propped up on his knee as he nurses a glass of drink. His short hair is dark and his eyes are a deep crimson colour, that don’t quite look right. They suddenly shift to me and I throw myself back against the door as my heart pounded. “Is this the way you greet all Alpha’s?” His deep voice rumbles through the room, there was an edge of amusement to his tone. “I’m sorry.” I whisper, getting to my feet. “I…I thought I was alone.” I had no idea who he was but I could feel the power radiating off of him, even without my Wolf. He doesn’t introduce himself either, why should he? “Come forward.” He orders and I already feel a lump forming in my throat. Alpha Trey was going to finish me. I step around the corner, doing as I’m told, allowing him to see me properly. I close my eyes, expecting the worst. “You smell funny. Yet you are a Wolf, correct?” I nod, though I couldn’t tell how he was going to react. Most laughed when they found out about me. “I would prefer it if you spoke to me.” He growls, “I’m not in the mood to play games.” “Yes.” I whisper. I couldn’t help but think of all the punishments I was going to have to endure. A whipping maybe? Starvation for another week? “Why do you smell strange? And how is it possible for you to not know I was in the room? You should have scented me.” “I…..” I hated the question. “Spit it out, I haven’t got all day!” He takes a swig from his drink. I knew why I couldn’t scent him. I knew why I hadn’t been aware of his presence, but telling people why was not something I ever wanted or liked to do. They never let me tell my side of the story. All they do is laugh and mock me. “You should open your eyes when you are talking to someone. It’s rude to not look at them. Has your Alpha not taught you anything?” His deep voice sends a shiver through me. Slowly, I open my eyes and lower them, there was no way I was making eye contact. “My Wolf abilities were bound,” I mutter. Twice, I wanted to add. Twice my abilities were bound. But he probably wasn’t interested in that part. He leans forward, carefully placing his glass on the small table next to the chair. I could feel him staring at me, “Why would someone do that?” If this is the Alpha that my brother is supposed to be meeting with, I knew I could screw everything up for him by saying too much. “It was a punishment.” I whisper. It wasn’t far from the entire truth but it was the simplest answer I could give. There’s a twitch in his cheek. Was he angry to hear of such a punishment? Or maybe, just like the others, he was amused by it. I couldn’t tell. The door swings open and my brother screeches at me “Neah, what the heck are you doing in my office?” He turns to the crimson eyed man. “I am so sorry that my sister is bothering you, Alpha Dane.” Crap, it was him. My brother spins around, his hand stretching out to hit me. I close my eyes, bracing myself, ready to feel the burn. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Alpha Dane’s voice rumbles through the room. Peeking through slits, I see Alpha Dane has risen to his feet, his hand coiled around my brother's wrist. He was taller than my brother, more muscly too. “Neah,” My name rolls off of his tongue, “was kindly showing me to your office, Alpha Trey, as you failed to meet me at the front of your house like I requested. I was lucky someone was present, at least someone understands the importance of this deal.” What? I had no idea what he was talking about. And he had no reason to lie for me. My brother glares at me, clenching his jaw tight. I was going to pay for this later. I would have to try and steal some food. “Go and get Beta Kyle.” Alpha Trey seethes. “Tell him that our guest is here.” I nod my head and hurry from the room, the last thing I wanted was to be caught between bickering men. “Beta Kyle,” I whisper as I enter the dining hall. He instantly glares at me with his dark eyes. I had spoken without being spoken to. “Alpha Trey is in the office with Alpha Dane. I was sent to inform you.” He slams the newspaper down on the table and glares at me as he walks by. “You’re lucky that the Alpha sent you to get me, otherwise you wouldn't be seeing sunlight for a few days.” Pausing behind me, he yanks my head back, locking his fingers in my hair, leaning in close to me, I feel his hot breath on my skin. He doesn’t speak, it was just his way of proving that he could do what he wants when he wants. I try to keep myself busy so I can stay as far away from the office as possible. My peace doesn’t last long when I hear my brother calling out to me. Quietly, I pad towards the office and plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. “Neah, go get the champagne and some glasses, we are celebrating.” I bow my head and hurry to the drinks cabinet. Quickly finding what my brother has asked for. As I re-enter the office, I can feel Alpha Dane watching my every move, even the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. No one ever watches me this closely. Approaching the small table by Alpha Danes chair, I start to fill the glasses. He takes the champagne bottle from me, telling me he is more than capable of filling his own glass. I feel my cheeks flame, not from embarrassment, but because I knew that I would be punished for this. I should have been quicker. I should have filled the glasses before entering the office. I should have…. My brain freezes when I see my brother glaring at me. “Neah is your sister, correct?” Alpha Dane questions my brother. “She is.” Alpha Trey mutters with disgust. He looks away from me to focus on the man asking questions. “Why do you treat her like vermin?” Straight to the point, my brother wouldn’t like that. He only liked sharing information on his terms. No one had spoken to my brother about his treatment of me because everyone took great joy in beating me. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t move but I knew I had to get out of there. If this deal goes to pot because of me, then that would be my fault too. “Neah was responsible for our parents' death.” Alpha Trey spits I closed my eyes, battling back the tears that were threatening to break free. “Responsible how?” Alpha Dane’s voice rumbles through me. He was definitely angry. “She served them Wolfsbane.” Two Neah Don’t make a sound. Don’t make a sound. I knew Alpha Dane was studying me. They all did, no one could ever quite believe how someone could do something so disgusting as poisoning their own parents. I stood there, with my head hanging low, wishing for the ground to open up and suck me in. There are movements around me. He was standing directly in front of me. With a rough finger he tilts my face up towards his, forcing me to look at him. Slowly, his hand latches onto my throat but he doesn’t squeeze. “You poisoned your parents?” “I was six.” I splutter. “I just made them lemonade.” My voice comes out all squeaky as I try to defend myself. I could barely remember my parents, but I could remember all the guilt I had been made to feel since that day. His crimson eyes flash to my brothers. “Hardly seems fair to blame a six year old.” “A six year old should know the difference between plants.” Alpha Trey snaps “Sounds to me like she was set up.” Alpha Dane shrugs his shoulders, letting go of my throat. “We all know that standard wolfsbane doesn’t affect us anymore. We evolved from that thing centuries ago.” What? What did he mean? Wolfsbane wasn’t lethal. It had been drummed into me since I could walk. “Which only leaves Blood of Wolfsbane.” Alpha Dane mutters “You weren’t there, Alpha Dane.” My brother muttered through gritted teeth as his eyes narrowed to slits. “It was Wolfsbane.” He nods his head. “You are right, I was not present.” Great, now there was someone else who could remind me of something I had done by accident, years ago. “But tell me this, where would a six year old get Blood of Wolfsbane?” “I didn’t ask you here to talk about my slave!” Alpha Trey spits. “Or what happened to my parents.” Alpha Dane grabs his leather jacket from the chair. Unlike other Alpha’s he seemed to dress more casually. A simple black tee and jeans covered his huge frame. And unlike other Alpha’s, his arms are bare of tattoos, not a single bit of ink poked out anywhere. “You’re right and now I have a few things to mull over.” “I thought we agreed.” My brother exclaims “Nothing has been signed. Now I will show myself out.” The moment he is out of the office, both my brother and Beta Kyle round on me. “What the heck did you say to him?” My brother demands, slamming a hand into my stomach. “N..nothing. Well, he just asked me why I smelled funny.” “Did you tell him?” Beta Kyle demands. He was practically spitting in my face. I hated him. I hated him so much that I had vowed to one day get my revenge and rip his stomach out through his mouth. “WELL?” My brother yells when I don’t immediately respond and smacks me across the side of the head. My head involuntarily moves up and down. “But I didn’t say it was you.” I tried to sound strong and confident but it just comes out as a whisper. If they weren’t Wolves, they probably wouldn’t have heard me. My brother's hand locks into my black hair as he yanks my head back, sending a shooting pain through my skull. “If you have ruined this, you won’t see daylight again.” He drags me by my hair from the office and down the hallway towards the basement door. “Please….” I beg. “He was an Alpha…I… I had to answer him.” My cheeks burn with my tears as he flings the door open. On the other side of the door is Alpha Dane. He is leaning against the wall with his arms folded, staring out at us. My brother's hand falls from my hair, relieving the pressure on the back of my skull.. “Alpha Dane, I thought you had left.” Alpha Trey murmurs angrily. “I said I would show myself out. I thought I had found the door, but instead I find a basement, riddled in your sister's strange scent. Is this how you treat your family?” “As I said,” my brother holds his ground, “She is responsible for the death of my parents, so yes, this is what she deserves.” “You should keep your nose out of other packs' business!” Beta Kyle adds. Alpha Dane laughs. “If I agree to this deal, everything about your business becomes my business. So tell me, what would your punishment be for her? No food, locked away for a week, beatings?” “We don’t….” “Really?” He cocks a brow, “You really expect me to believe that you would have just let her sleep? I have already stopped you from hitting her once. " His eyes roam over me. "She is underfed, bags hover under her tired blue eyes. For a sister of an Alpha, she is certainly not treated like one. Regardless of what she allegedly did when she was a pup.” “She did do it!” Alpha Trey seethes “And she has nothing to do with our deal.” “That’s for me to decide.” His crimson eyes flicker around the hallway. “Where is your mate? I would be interested to know how she feels about this.” I close my eyes, silently begging my brother not to call his Luna. Luna Cassandra is worse than Beta Kyle and Alpha Trey together. “On second thoughts, why bother her. I’m certain she is just as vile as you.” He sneers I peer through slits to see his crimson eyes on me. There was no reason for him to defend me and yet he was. I was a nobody, no one special. Just who everyone called a traitor. Only instead of being given a death sentence, my brother had decided to make me spend my life suffering. “I have a proposition for you, Alpha Trey.” Alpha Dane is smirking at my brother “We have already agreed on terms.” “Well, I’m adding one. And if you don’t agree, you will not get my help. Instead, you will become my enemy. And we both know, you don’t want that.” “I take it that your new terms have something to do with her?” Alpha Trey mutters through clenched teeth. “You would be correct. Let me take her away to my pack and then you, Trey will have a deal.” Me? Why would he want me? As my brother and his Beta discuss me, Alpha Dane is still studying me. His look made me nervous. What could someone like him possibly want with me? “Deal.” Alpha Trey sticks out his hand for Alpha Dane to shake. He doesn’t take it, instead his crimson eyes shift from me to my brother. “I will have paperwork drawn up and will return tomorrow.” He reaches a hand out and cups my face, “Ensure you have everything packed.” He drags his thumb across my bottom lip and strides to the opposite end of the hallway and straight to the front door. He knew exactly where the front door was, so what was he up to? He pauses at the door. “If I find out any one of you has laid a hand on her. The contract will be the last thing you need to worry about.” He struts out, slamming the door behind him. “Get out of my sight!” My brother snaps at me. Hurrying away, I make my way up the stairs and into my tiny bedroom. It was practically empty, the only things I had were a few changes of clothes. It would take me less than a minute to pack By morning, I hadn’t slept. Alpha Danes questions were on repeat and why was I so interesting to a Wolf like him. There was a reason he had the biggest pack. They were known for their fighting abilities, that’s why my brother wanted to link Moonshine with Alpha Danes pack, but where did I fit in to all this? And what o earth is Blood of Wolfsbane? Three Dane “Tenth bride’s the charm.” Jenson mocks as the driver pulls up in front of Moonshines packhouse. “Shut up!” Eric snaps at him “Both of you shut your mouths. Before you say something you regret!” ‘He will never learn.’ My wolf, Aero muses. The driver pulls open the door. “Just give me a second, I need to speak to my men.” The door closes and neither one of them speaks. “She isn’t like the others. Don’t speak to her, don’t look at her. And you Jenson, keep your hands to yourself or you might just lose them this time.” I was more rattled than usual. Neah was different to the previous selected mates. I didn’t know what it was or whether it was because I was used to confident women, but there was something about her. And Aero appeared to like her too, more than any of the others. I had to have her. “I mean it!” I snap at Jenson's smug face, “Being my brother won’t change my mind!” He runs his fingers over his lips as though he was zipping them shut. They follow me from the car. Standing in front of the old packhouse, all three of us stare up at it. Because until a month ago, I knew nothing about them and even after my visit, all I had learned was the Alpha is a beast. My knuckles hammer on the door. It’s barely open an inch when I force myself through making his Beta stumble back. I spot her straight away, hiding herself behind a corner. “Are you ready?” I call out. “If you just want to…..” Beta Kyle starts. “I was not talking to you. I was speaking to Neah.” The expression on Beta Kyle’s face was a picture. His jaw hung open and his eyes are wide. He clearly had never been told what to do, even by his Alpha. Neah steps out from her hiding spot, clutching a barely full carrier bag. She drags her teeth across her bottom lip and nods her head. “Where are the rest of your things? I told you everything needs to be packed” “That’s all she has.” Trey snorts as he makes his appearance. “That’s it?” I stare at him. “That’s all her belongings? She’s what, in her early twenties and that’s all she has?” “What more does she need?!” His Beta sneers. ‘Kill him, let me rip out his throat and he will regret the day he crossed us.’ “What are you waiting for?” I hear a horrible shrill voice that seems to vibrate through the floors. Looking away from the Beta, I see a woman holding on to a statue of herself that sat at the bottom of the stairs. Her blonde hair hung in waves around her face as her green eyes studied me and she sways her hips as she moves to Trey. I noticed Neah’s reaction yesterday. When I asked Trey where his mate was. Her whole body had tensed up in fear. She was afraid of this woman and I wanted to know why. “Take her Alpha Dane. I’m sure she will be as useful a slave to you as she is to us.” Her shrill voice goes straight through me. “Look at the silly girl, she’s going to pass out.” The blonde bimbo laughs “You don’t get to talk about her like that anymore.” I glare at the blonde, “She is not your toy. She is not your slave and I suggest that you, Alpha Trey keep your wife in check. There is only so much disobedience that I will tolerate.” “DISOBEDIENCE!” The woman screeches just as Neah’s hip hits the floor. “How dare you! If anyone is disobedient, it’s that rat in the corner.” ‘Who the heck is she calling a rat?’ Aero growls “You should make yourself familiar with our agreement.” I snap. “It seems your mate has not told you everything.” Waving Eric forward, he pulls a thick wad of paper from the folder under his arm. The contract that I have drawn up. “All that for your help?” His mate’s eyes are wide “I don’t do half-witted contracts.” Taking the contract from Eric, I shove it against Trey’s chest “Shall we go to the office?” Trey leads the way with his mate clinging on to him and his Beta hurrying behind. My men follow them while I stay behind to check on my new mate. “You are more than welcome to join us, after all, you are involved in this deal. Or my car is outfront, you can take your stuff and wait there for me.” “Are those my only options?” she whispers, keeping her eyes low “For now. Personally, I think you should sit in with us. It will give me great pleasure in pissing off that mate of your brothers.” She keeps her blue eyes low as she continues to clutch that bag of hers. This close to her, I could really see how ill she looked. Even her heart beat is slow, like it’s fighting to hang on to life. “So what will it be?” “I….” Her head rotates between the front door and the direction of the office. “I….. The office I guess.” “Good choice.” I hold out a hand for her but she doesn’t take it. Pushing herself up to her feet. She wobbles a little, but steadies herself. Walking a few steps behind her, I see the evil glares she receives from Trey and the other two idiots as she enters the office.. “Take a seat.” I whisper as I walk past her. My hand grazes her lower back and she immediately tenses up. She stands, frozen to the spot. Only her eyes dart about when she shakes her head. “Sit!” I say it a little louder “She doesn’t have that privilege here!” The blonde snaps, with her lips curved up in amusement “Sitting is not a privilege.” I growl, wondering what else they were forcing her to do. I couldn’t see any bruises on her arms or legs, a good sign, I hoped. ‘It better be!’ Aero paces in my head. He wanted her out of this place as much as I did. The blonde physically recoils in her seat. Her mouth falls wide open, shocked that I had said something. “And I suggest,” I look at Trey, “You tell your mate to keep her mouth shut. Or I can shut it for her.” “Alpha Dane, you are in my home…..” “And you want my help, correct?” The three of them were fuming. No one liked being told what to do in their own home, yet they were doing just that to Neah. I point to the empty chair between Jenson and Eric and she finally sits down. “Let’s just get this done.” Trey snaps, “The sooner she is gone, the happier I can be.” “You should read the contract.” I muse “I agreed that you could take her as part of our deal.” “Idiot!” Eric murmurs. He knew as well as I did that contracts should be read before they are signed They sign without reading and practically throw the contract back at me. “Done.” Trey mutters “Good, you can get her out of my house.” Trey’s mate screeches. If I had it my way, I would just take Neah, then I wouldn’t have to put up with the twidles, but this way, they can’t have her back. Even if they begged. A contract was a contract and it was impossible for them to get out of. Getting to my feet, I hold a hand out to Neah, “Come, we are leaving this rat hole before I lose my temper.” Her warm fingers slip into my hand as she rises to her feet. Her other hand clutches the bag to her chest as she walks with me to the front door. She doesn’t even look back to say goodbye and that confirmed everything I needed to know. She hated them as much as they hated her. She pauses at the open front door, her hand falling from mine. Her blue eyes are wide as she stares at the limo. “Come.” I instruct Eric and Jenson are standing behind her, watching her curiously. ‘Is she okay?’ Eric links me. “Neah?” I step in front of her and she doesn’t move. She seems to be staring right through me. “It’s time to go.” “Okay.” Her lips barely move She takes a step forward, almost as if she is in slow motion. Her hands grip the door frame, her knuckles turn white as her heartbeat increases. Her lips part a little and her hand falls from the door frame just as her eyes roll to the back of her head. “I’ve got you.” I mutter, catching her just before she hits the floor. Her entire body tenses up as I lift her and carry her to the car. She was so weak and was even lighter than I expected. She probably didn’t weigh much more than a small child. Jenson and Eric get in the car first. Jenson cocks his eyebrow at me and has a smirk plastered to his face as I slide in with Neah on my lap. “Keep your thoughts to yourself, Jenson!” I hold her close, listening to her breathe and her heart as it slowed. Letting my fingers comb through her dark hair as she becomes a little more with it. Suddenly, she sits up right, moving away from me and trying to make herself as small as possible. Deciding not to force her to do anything, I keep my attention on my Beta and my brother, talking about pack stuff while casting a glance over to her every so often to make sure she was alright. “Come.” I mutter as the limo comes to a stop. I don’t wait for the driver and get out myself, holding a hand out for her. “I’m fine.” She speaks at last while glancing at the others and shuffles herself forward to the open door. She stares up at my home, gasping a little. It was easily three times the size of her previous home and I hoped that she would be happy here. That I could provide her with a life that was better than her last. “Let me give you a tour.” I suggest as she continues to clutch that carrier bag to her chest. She follows me in, not speaking a word. I had no idea if she was listening to what I was saying or not “The omegas swap out on a rotational basis. Good for the youngsters to learn some responsibilities before they get proper jobs.” I tell her while showing her the dining hall with a table long enough to fit twenty people around. We move through to the kitchen. Where I point out a board on the wall. “If there is anything you need, you just add it to the board and it will be ordered in.” Her brow furrows and still she says nothing. Picking up a pen, I smile. Maybe she felt intimidated by me. “So tell me, what do you need because there is no way you are living under my roof with just the things that are in that bag.” Her dazzling blue eyes dart around the room “Well?” I ask. “I don’t need anything.” She whispers Sighing, I start scribbling things down. Underwear, jeans, workout clothes, dresses, shoes, anything I can think of that will cover her for a few days. Holding the pen between my teeth, I grab her around the waist. My thumbs meet just above her belly button and my fingers touch her spine. She was so thin, how was she even alive? Four Dane She looked like a deer caught in headlights as I write her size down. She was tinier than I thought. Skin and bone. If I had moved my hands up any higher, I would have felt every rib sticking out. It sickened me, she should be strong, powerful, she had Alpha blood running through her veins. I also saw how she scrunched her face up when I measured her. It wasn’t fear, it was pain. She was hiding something underneath the baggy maids dress. “I know you want to say something, so just say it. I’m not interested in the crap Trey drummed into you. You don’t have to wait until someone asks you a question. You are free to say what you want. Are you injured?" "No." She was lying, I could feel it. She shakes her head as if it would confirm her answer and a lock of her black hair falls from the band that was supposed to be holding it back. Neah was going to be a tough girl to crack. A life of being starved had made her quite protective over herself. I will make Trey pay for what he has done to her. “You have to say something, Neah. I cannot read your mind. When I mark you, at least I will know what you are feeling.” “Mark me?” I didn’t think her eyes could get any wider. “Yes, I will mark you.” She was completely and utterly shocked by the idea. Her pink lips part a little as she continues to stare at me. I thought she knew. I thought that was why she came so willingly. My Beta had kept asking me if I was certain I wanted her as my bride. There was no doubt about it, she had a strange scent but something was luring me to her. I couldn’t take my eyes off of her when I first saw her. My Wolf Aero was going mad for her too. Though he hadn’t said a word about her. Annoyed with me for not taking her home with us yesterday. “You….You brought me so that you could mark me.” She takes a step back, walking into the kitchen island. She winces a little and quickly covers up her pain, relaxing her face.. “If Trey had bothered reading the contract, he would have discovered that you are to be my bride, not a slave. He would also have read that if he or his ridiculously silly mate tried doing anything to you going forward, that pack would become mine, or rather, yours. I never bought you, Neah, you were always destined to be mine.” “I’m a murderer.” She gasps. “Why would someone like you want me for a bride?” ‘Blood’ Aero growls interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at her baggy dress. A blood stain had appeared right where I had my hands wrapped around her. “What’s that? Are you injured?” I demand, I had barely touched her. She covers the stain with her hand. “It’s nothing. It’s just a cut that I keep knocking and it opens up again. I forget it’s there.” Forget? How could she forget a wound? ‘Why isn’t she healing?’ I feel Aero’s panic. ‘She’s been with us less than two hours and already she has some form of injury.’ His need to protect her was strong. It hadn’t occurred to me that her lack of abilities included not being able to heal. I would have to find someone who could reverse the binding and soon. “Show me!” “It’s fine.” She mumbles I was already so sick of hearing that phrase. “It’s not optional.” I mutter. “If you won’t show me, I will have to find a way to look, myself.” Her heart skips a beat. She looks around the kitchen. “Can.... can we go somewhere more private?” “Private?” I didn’t really do privacy. What Wolf did?! She bobs her head but still keeps her focus slightly off of me. Almost afraid to look me directly in the eyes. ‘Office,’ Aero mutters. ‘I was just going to suggest that!’ I snap back at my Wolf. I feel his eyes roll as he retreats to some dark corner of my mind. “This way.” I gesture to the door. Neah waits for me and follows closely behind. The scent of blood steadily grew stronger, it was more than just a cut. I already knew that. In the office, I hit the remote and the blinds start to drop, blocking out the sunlight. Neah hesitates and slowly begins to unfasten the buttons of the dress but only where the large blood stain was. Keeping everything else covered from me. She pulls the dress to one side. The wound was about four inches long and already fairly infected. “See, it’s fine.” she whispers. “You need to stop saying that.” She closes her mouth and starts to fasten the buttons. “No,” I grabbed her hands, I had caught sight of another bruise. “Let me see the rest of them.” It wasn’t optional. She gasps as my fingers rip apart the rest of the buttons. Her sports bra had seen better days, just the same as her underwear. But it was the bruising I was most concerned about. Bruise upon bruise, scars that had come from whips. Her hip bones and ribs stuck out too. Turning her around, and pulling the dress from her, I find that her back is just the same. Yet interestingly, there was nothing above her chest and nothing below her thighs. Her arms were completely bare of wounds too. There was only one reason why someone would do that. To either hide what they were doing to someone, or to keep up appearances. They didn’t want guests to see. More importantly, they didn’t want me to see, considering the meeting was arranged over a month ago. She fumbles with the dress, pulling it tightly around her thin frame. “You need to see a doctor.” “It’s …..” she trails off when she sees the anger on my face. “It always heals, eventually.” “Did Trey do this?” I mutter with my teeth gritted and gesture to her body She lowers her blue eyes. “Cassandra?” She still doesn’t answer me. “That prick that follows Trey around? All three of them?” She pulls her dress tighter around her and silently nods. She brings her hand up to her face, brushing her cheek, wiping away an escaped tear. “Anyone else?” “The pack.” She whispers. ‘I’m going to kill them all.’ Aero growls. He will have to get in line, “Because of what you allegedly did to your parents.” She nods. “I don’t believe you were responsible.” She tilts her head up towards me, her brow knits together as her eyes finally find mine. “Because of Blood of Wolfsbane?" Five Neah “I…I don’t know what Blood of Wolfsbane is?” I whisper He frowns at me. “Your brother said you knew the difference between plants.” “I…” I didn’t have an answer. I couldn’t remember, not fully. “Blood of Wolfsbane is Wolfsbane fed by our blood. The leaves will have a red hue to them. I can’t imagine a child would know what it is because it is not freely grown. Your brother’s story doesn’t add up.” “Oh.” “I won’t stop until I find out who did this, Neah.” His crimson eyes narrow. “I will make them pay for the suffering you have endured.” He sits on the edge of his desk, studying me. “Right now, you do need to see someone about the infection.” I kept my mouth closed, I was still trying to process his news of me being set up. Why had my brother never considered it? “Come, I will show you our bedroom. You can shower before we see the pack doctor.” Frozen to the spot, I don’t move. Did he just say ‘our bedroom,’? As in, we are sharing a bedroom? I guess he thinks he can mke love with me whenever he wants if I’m his contract bride. A shiver runs down my spine at the thought. Glancing up, I see him watching me. He is stood at the open door, waiting for me. Ensuring my dress has me covered, I step out into the hallway. No one was around and the hallways were quiet. As we moved, Alpha Dane would tell me what each room was, but he seemed more focussed on getting me to the bedroom. His bedroom is huge, with massive windows, just like the rest of the house. The bed sat pressed up against the wall. All around it, thin drapes hung from the ceiling, but they were tied back at each bed post. What surprised me the most was that the bath and the shower were in the same room. Only the toilet was in a small room to the side of the shower. No privacy, whatsoever. Though, he didn’t seem to care about that. He makes me jump when I feel his warm breath on my skin. “You don’t need to be afraid.” I may not be able to smell him, but he would be able to scent the changes in my emotions. Crossing the room, he pulls open the glass door to the shower and turns it on. The moment he closes the door, the steam of the shower quickly fogs up the glass. And still, I find myself afraid. He gave me no clue as to what he was expecting from me. “Hey,” His rough fingers tip my face up. “It’s just you and me and for now, I will let you shower in peace.” Walking away, he pulls his phone out of his pocket and messes around with it before placing it on the bedside table. “The alarm is set for ten minutes. I will come back then. I will bring you something to wear so just stay in the towel. Understand?” He stares at me, waiting for an answer and I just nod. A ten minute shower. I was lucky if I got a minute shower back home and the water was always cold. He moves to the door and with his hand resting on the door knob he looks back over his shoulder at me. “I really wish you would talk more, Neah.” Alpha Dane leaves me in peace and I make a mad dash for the shower as if I’m in some kind of fantasy land and this was all a dream. Maybe it was, maybe I was about to wake up in the basement of my home. The smells of the soaps and shampoos are divine as I lather them into myself. And my hair has never felt so clean. The wound on my stomach stung as the hot water hit it, but I didn’t care, it was worth it. Someone in the room clears their throat and I freeze. Thanking the steam for keeping me semi hidden. “Neah, are you done? The alarm went off five minutes ago.” Alpha Dane’s voice seems louder in here. I had been so caught up in the freedom of a simple shower that I hadn’t even heard the alarm or the Alpha come back into the room. “Coming.” I mutter, turning off the water and pulling a towel around me to hide the hideousness underneath. Stepping out, I already see that my ripped dress, underwear and worn sandals had been removed from the floor. Alpha Dane sits on the end of the bed with what looked like folded clothes on his lap and a pair of trainers. “It’s not much, as we don’t have anyone with as small a waist as you.” He smiles as he hands over the clothes. A matching navy blue sweatshirt and joggers. “You will have to make do without the underwear for now. Should be here first thing tomorrow.” He watches me with a cocked eyebrow as I pull the joggers on and tug the sweatshirt over my head before removing the towel. Maybe he was used to the women parading themselves in front of him, or throwing themselves at him because he has power, but I wasn’t like that. “Let’s go.” He rises to his feet and this time, I follow him. Something told me that if I didn’t get this wound looked at, it would put him in a bad mood. The pack doctor was young, unlike the one back home who was old and afraid to let anyone take over from him. She smiles at us as we enter the pack hospital and rewraps her dark hair into a bun. “Raven, this is Neah.” Alpha Dane introduces me with a grin. I keep my eyes low as I hear Raven say, “Alpha Dane, what seems to be the problem apart from the strange smell she has brought with her.” It didn’t sound like a hurtful comment like I was used to, but more a comment of curiosity. “She will tell you herself when she finds her tongue.” “I have a wound.” I whisper. “And you are not healing?” Raven asks, confused “I don’t have my Wolf.” I hated saying it. It was just a constant reminder that I did not fit in. “Her Wolf was bound when she was a kid.” Alpha Dane tells her. “That’s why her scent is strange. Her Wolf is there, locked away, waiting to be freed.” My eyes flicker up only to find him staring straight back at me. I had always believed that my Wolf was gone. Not that she was trapped. Raven’s dark eyes hover on me. “Wow, okay.” She grabs my hand. “This way, let’s take a look at this wound of yours.” She leads me into an empty room and asks me to lay on the bed and to show her my wound. Pulling up the sweatshirt, just enough for her to see the wound. Her eyes widen, a flicker of rage passing over them as she takes in the infected wound and the bruising that surrounds it. Her fingers carefully press around the wound. “How long ago?” “A few days.” I mutter, though I wasn’t sure. Every beating blurred into another one. Any day that I wasn’t hit was a good day. Raven shakes her head. “This is longer than a few days ago, the infection has had at least a week to develop.” “Neah, you need to tell us the truth.” Alpha Dane orders “I don’t know.” “NEAH!” His deep voice rumbles through me and I close my eyes, fearing his anger. Anger brought punishment, punishment brought pain. “I swear, I don’t know. The beatings, they happen so often that they just kind of…. I’m never not bruised.” There’s silence and I was too afraid to open my eyes. Alpha Trey had said it over and over, that if anyone found out, he would make my life a misery, more than it already was. I used to wonder who would ever find out that didn’t already know. Now here I was, sitting in another pack’s hospital, revealing the truth. “Heal her!” Alpha Dane shouts after what seems like forever. He storms from the room, pulling a phone out of his pocket. “You will have to forgive my brother. His temper is short, especially when it comes to things like this.” Raven mutters as she gently inspects my wound “Your brother?” I whisper, opening my eyes “Ah, I see he informed you. I’m guessing he didn’t tell you that Jenson is our brother too?” I shake my head, I’m guessing Jenson was one of the men that came to my brother's house. She chuckles. “Jenson is considered to be our brother’s Gamma.” “Gamma?” I had never heard of the term. “Yep and Alpha Dane has a love/hate for me working here. He wants me to represent our family, but he knows this is what I’m good at.” She grabs a pot of cream from the cupboard. “Now this needs to be applied three times a day. It should clear up the infection, if it hasn’t changed in a couple of days, I will take another look. My brother is waiting for you out front.” “Thanks.” I mumble, taking the pot of cream from her. I looked at the label, but couldn’t read it. I had never learned to read. She bobs her head at me as I hurry out to find Alpha Dane on his phone, snapping at someone. He hangs up as soon as he sees me and asks what Raven said. “Cream, three times a day.” I show him the pot and he takes it from me. “Good, come.” He strides off and I have to run to keep up with him. I follow him through the house and into the office. “Show me.” He orders, pulling the lid off the pot. It wasn’t going to be negotiable, not when he had used the same tone moments before he ripped my dress open earlier. Slowly lifting my sweatshirt, he crouches down in front of me and gently smothers the wound in the cold cream. “I don’t want you to lie to me, Neah. Not ever. If you can’t remember, that is what you need to tell me. Is that clear? I don’t want to have to guess what you mean.” “Okay.” I couldn’t say anything else, I was too focussed on the warmth of his hands. One presses against my lower back, holding me steady while the other gently rubs cream into my wound. The only touch I had received from another man was a beating. “Stop holding your breath.” He tells me, getting to his feet. “I am not going to hurt you.” It seemed impossible to believe given my history. The act, the words coming from him, it just didn’t feel real.	LEARN_MORE	https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11782&u	Galaxy in the Story	https://www.facebook.com/61555427913037/	1,606	1969-12-31 18:00	Learn More	wwwedb.com	DCO		https://wwwedb.com/market/goodnovel/1?lpid=11782&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&adset_name={{adset.name}}&adset_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/448791819_801329188771681_1239684611142513538_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=jODdZoH6h4IQ7kNvgEz1inA&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=A0AI2QK688x4tbuyffsqO4a&oh=00_AYDYkXleZjV9mMpkdKU9fAje4InuHSZx9NiO43ovC-u-kg&oe=675CB633	PERSON_PROFILE	Galaxy in the Story	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,618,401	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2618957}'	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Handyman Services: Starting at $39	Hi, I'm Marvin, founder of Oviedo Handyman. 🛠 Describe the handy work you need, we'll get it done: ✅ General Repairs ✅ Electrical & Plumbing ✅ Carpentry ✅ Painting & Finishing & so much more! 🏡 Proudly local, we're passionate about providing home improvement to our community. That's why we're offering our services for as low as $39. Just fill out the form to get your free instant quote. Serving Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville & Surrounding Areas!	GET_QUOTE	http://fb.me/	VooltPro Certified Provider	https://www.facebook.com/vooltprocertifiedproviders/	17	1969-12-31 18:00	Get quote	fb.me	VIDEO		http://fb.me/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/468600696_1753598882073199_6649359773695796507_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=bCxadQ_h8o4Q7kNvgHoPDA0&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Aq6D9QgZYcO4YzNDGD4x5JF&oh=00_AYDQVmcfxW1ePaq0PpM9rMilkoW1FHYkAILg5n4U57MNwQ&oe=675CDE69	PERSON_PROFILE	VooltPro Certified Provider	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,529	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":2617527}'	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Know your rights	Let us help you find the right solutions, if you are hurt in an accident. Contact us for a free consultation.	CONTACT_US	https://www.currylawgroup.com/?utm_source=facebook	CURRY LAW GROUP	https://www.facebook.com/CurryLawGroup/	1,641	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact Us	currylawgroup.com	CAROUSEL	Let us help you find the right solutions, if you are hurt in an accident. Contact us for a free consultation.	https://www.currylawgroup.com/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=display&utm_campaign=sr_curry_traffic_8_24&utm_term={{ad.id}}&utm_content=4941237-e32-n-m-c{{campaign.id}}-g{{adset.id}}-a{{ad.id}}-u-cat-k-mod	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/457249913_536974475465231_8225886550152497580_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=I0ykw2Qt4OsQ7kNvgGKPz_R&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&_nc_gid=A10gqH0goqfmoybSaAEP02m&oh=00_AYANMmiHWKX14WpgU1CqgY0S6uxy1KnCmAMm5j2IWD4iDQ&oe=675CD4E2	PERSON_PROFILE	CURRY LAW GROUP	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete
2,617,501	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	No	2024-12-09 09:00	active	1978	Your Road To Recovery Starts Here	Are you or someone you love battling a fentanyl addiction? You're not alone. We are ready to help you.	CONTACT_US	https://www.inlandvalleyrecovery.org/	Inland Valley Recovery Services	https://www.facebook.com/InlandValleyRecoveryServices/	2,181	1969-12-31 18:00	Contact us	www.inlandvalleyrecovery.org	VIDEO	Break free from addiction.	https://www.inlandvalleyrecovery.org/	1969-12-31 18:00	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/465171144_1461668777743019_811736859776547749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60_tt6&_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=QmOQYegr0WYQ7kNvgE2xXuC&_nc_zt=14&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&_nc_gid=AlYPDu92KTZ7uKKK9Znxjjz&oh=00_AYCi18H4UYvSl0DD5jh5_-Rz9_Hr7tVO5zYxuD5bpB8gZA&oe=675CC606	PERSON_PROFILE	Inland Valley Recovery Services	1969-12-31 18:00	View Edit Delete

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