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1,779,021	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1779027}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:44	active	760	289421844225594	Lasting Relief, Restful Sleep	Side-Sleepers: Sciatica or Hip Pain?<br /> <br /> Side sleeping without proper support can cause misalignment of the spine, leading to sharp pain in the hips, lower back, and legs.<br /> <br /> Ignoring this can lead to more serious issues like sciatic nerve damage, chronic pain, and, in the worst scenario - high-risk surgery.<br /> <br /> It’s important to get the right support to prevent worsening and relieve any existing discomfort.<br /> <br /> That’s why a top physical therapist helped develop the Revoget Pillow.<br /> <br /> ✅ The Revoget Alignment Pillow is designed to:<br /> ➡️ Relieve hip, lower back & sciatica pain<br /> ➡️ Prevent painful bone-on-bone rubbing<br /> ➡️ Align the spine ALL night<br /> <br /> Why not just use a ‘regular’ pillow? Two reasons:<br /> <br /> 1. A regular pillow provides some relief, but it usually won’t stay in place during your night.<br /> 2. More importantly; regular pillows are designed to support your head/neck, and not your hips, legs, or knees.<br /> <br /> The Revoget Pillow includes a soft elastic strap and is designed to fit between the legs.<br /> <br /> Within just a few days, you’ll get back to uninterrupted nights and enjoying life free of pain.<br /> <br /> 🎁 With Revoget, you're covered by our 60-Night Money-Back Guarantee. If you're not fully satisfied, you'll get your money back.<br /> <br /> Get yours now totally risk-free with up to 42% OFF → <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Frevoget.com%2Fproducts%2Fimproved-leg-pillow&h=AT0jTfYfr2r8FW7A3VK39Kc9JXoj9eH8IPdK18EPEAWfnPCoYxHqdbERKq2_q3Cq6-Nep3iG_RD0L8EQkvd8ftjUXBPezFCuiiCJuc5sv-mrS0jCFNYFJrBE4ZnGPdUzEVVZrojDrhKGrw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://revoget.com/products/improved-leg-pillow</a>	SHOP_NOW	https://revoget.com/products/improved-leg-pillow	259519097238249	Revoget	https://facebook.com/revoget	330	3	1,207,420,650,671,568	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Shop now	Revoget	120214825209550386	REVOGET.COM	NONE	video	FREE Shipping on Every Order – No Minimum Purchase Required!	https://revoget.com/products/improved-leg-pillow	2024-05-07 19:29	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440856433_1465639117368500_719702503021235483_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=t-9pd0snDKsQ7kNvgGtJ5kf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAb0KgaCUE80msaGetpez8WslxxKXY-MHlpydRo4cRBFQ&oe=6641CE33	person_profile	Revoget	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441048619_2199675707040435_5023602234780722953_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=eMCOdRaM3HAQ7kNvgG4LA6w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCbkzopK4TF7t4avSb3Yk_IqiS9j0yLR9VRymG_dwnTRQ&oe=6641DF32	3	Revoget	2024-05-07 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,336	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778192}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	1870746736720831	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"We have a new assignment tomorrow." My boss says, leaning against his desk.<br /> "Where to go?" I ask.<br /> “Hilton Head Island. Pack some formal clothes in case we rub elbows with some powerful people.” He walks towards me.<br /> “Sounds good. Are we undercover for this job?” I stare at him.<br /> ”Yes. We'll come up with a backstory.“ His hand is on my waist.<br /> “Why don't we just pretend to be a couple?” I can feel my hands sweating. <br /> “Smart. That's the most plausible reason.” He smiles.<br /> ————————<br /> BOBBI<br /> "I've been here all morning and he still hasn't shown up. At this point it's almost lunchtime and I haven't done a single thing today. It just seems weird to me."<br /> "I told you, Tyson keeps odd hours." Jessica's reassuring voice comes through my phone's speaker.<br /> "But it's my first day and I have no idea what I'm even supposed to be doing.”<br /> "I told you everything you need to know."<br /> "You did not. You said in addition to my computer skills I'd also be answering the phone and doing some clerical type of work."<br /> "See. I did tell you."<br /> "Jessica, there's no business phone here."<br /> "He probably locked it up in his office."<br /> "Alright, I ‘ll try to find, but..."<br /> "Sorry, hon, but I need to go. You can find the phone." And she hangs up.<br /> I'm starting to think I never should've listened to Jessica. When she told me she was changing jobs and thought I should take her position, I should've politely declined. At the time, I was working from home, like many people do now. But when she reminded me I'm barely twenty-six years old and suggested maybe I needed to return to the real world, I guess it struck a nerve.<br /> It takes me several attempts—nineteen to be exact—but I finally catch the tumbler just right so the lock turns over and the door pops open.<br /> Too dark to see anything, I reach blindly through the opening and feel around on the wall until I find the light switch.<br /> Once the room is lit up, I muster the courage to push the door wide open and step inside. I have to say, at first sight it's very disappointing. His office is nearly as empty as the room out front.<br /> There's an old metal desk in the middle of the room, like the one I've been sitting at all morning. Behind the desk there are several black duffel bags stacked against the wall in a corner.<br /> I poke around the desk and check inside the drawers but don't find anything. It's completely empty. Weird.<br /> I run over to the door and check the front room again to be sure I'm still alone. I am.<br /> There are four, no five, bags total and they're all exactly the same. I don't see any name brand or decals on the solid black bags. They appear to be cheap, generic polyester. But upon closer inspection they're a thicker canvas material.<br /> I lift one from the top of the pile and place it on the floor before dropping to my knees. It seems full and it's heavy enough for me to need both hands while moving it.<br /> My heart is racing as I grab the strap and start to unzip the bag. I can almost hear it beating over the sound of the floor creaking under my feet.<br /> I move to adjust my feet and remember I'm kneeling. It wasn't me making the floor creak.<br /> I immediately spin around to see a man standing in the open doorway smiling at me. "Hi."<br /> And oh my God, he's gorgeous.<br /> "Jessica sent me." It's all I can think of right now.<br /> "To steal from me?" He laughs a little, and I think my heart may have just skipped a beat.<br /> "I was looking for the phone." Did I really just say that?<br /> "Well, it's definitely not in there." He points down to my hand, which is still firmly gripping the strap of the duffel bag.<br /> Why am I still holding the strap?<br /> "I'm sorry. This is so embarrassing. I can't believe this is how I'm meeting my new boss on my first day. Wait, you are my new boss, right?"<br /> God, I hope so. Look at that body.<br /> "No, I'm not your new boss." He steps in, closing the door behind him. "I'm your new daddy."<br /> What?"I'm not sure what you mean." I get up to leave but there's nowhere to go. He's standing in front of my only way out.<br /> "I think you know exactly what I mean." He takes off his shirt and slowly unbuttons his pants as he approaches. He shifts from side to side, herding me back and into the corner until I trip and lose my footing on the stack of duffel bags.<br /> I end up on my stomach and before I can turn over or get up, he's on me. I can feel the heat of his breath on my neck. "Don't fight it."<br /> Grabbing my hips, he moves me onto all fours in front of him. He's too strong and I can't stop him, or maybe it's that I don't want to stop him.<br /> The skin of his stomach gently touches the small of my back and I feel something else suddenly pressed up against my hip. And it's huge.<br /> I reach back, desperately trying to get my hands on what must be the most beautiful...<br /> "Hello... anybody home over there?"<br /> Why is he waving at me?<br /> "I asked your name." He's still standing by the door, and he looks confused. "I told you mine and now you tell me yours. That's how these things usually work."<br /> Jesus Christ, I really need to stop reading so much smutty romance.<br /> "Umm, sorry." I drop the bag strap and stand up. "My name is Bobbi."<br /> "Well, Bobbi Lee," he says with a half smile, "if you're all done rifling through my bags, I could use a minute or two alone here."<br /> "Of course." I awkwardly try to step around him and head for the door, but then I notice his shirt.<br /> "Well, plain old Bobbi Lee," he says with a half smile, "if you're all done rifling through my bags, I could use a minute or two alone here."<br /> "Of course." I awkwardly try to step around him and head for the door, but then I notice his shirt.<br /> "Are you okay?" The material is torn, and it looks like he's bleeding. "Is that blood?"<br /> "What? No, no." He lifts his t-shirt, revealing a large and very painful looking hematoma on his chest. "It's just a little bruise."<br /> "That's not little. What happened?" Before I realize what I'm doing, I've walked over to him and am tracing my finger along his skin around the discolored and swollen flesh.<br /> A smile flashes across his face. "It's no big deal. Some idiot shot me this morning."<br /> My eyes widen. "Someone shot you and it's no big deal?" I can't believe how casual he seems about it.<br /> "It was only a bean bag round, so I'm sure it looks much worse than it feels." He turns away, taking off his shirt, and I can take a hint.<br /> "Personally, I don't think a bean bag chair is worth getting shot over, but that's just me. I'm a futon kind of gal." Now I feel like I'm talking too much. "All right then, if you need me, I'll just be in the next room, staring at the wall like I have been all morning."<br /> "Oh yeah, the phone." He opens one of the desk drawers, pulls out an old, black flip phone, and tosses it to me. "I have the charger for it around here somewhere."<br /> "Are you kidding? How old is this thing?" It slips out before I can stop myself.<br /> "Is it old?" He seems completely unaware of how weird this is. "I thought flip phones were back."<br /> "Not the original ones."<br /> He laughs out loud, and I can see him grimace a bit at the end. "Well, I guess I'm kind of an original guy." He winks at me.<br /> "You're a little weird."<br /> "Says the girl I just caught snooping around her new boss's office, and on her first day too."<br /> He's got me there.<br /> "I know when I'm beat. So, I'm going to head back out and sit behind my desk." I turn to leave and hold the ancient cell phone up as I go. "Maybe I'll see if I can still get dial-up internet on this thing."<br /> As I sit down, I hear him punching the keypad to the closet I noticed in the back of his office. I hear duffel bags being slid across the floor and the grunts and groans of a man who's in more pain than he wanted to admit. I hear him step through the door and close it.<br /> And then I don't hear anything. Fifteen minutes go by without a sound from inside his office.<br /> What is he doing in that closet?<br /> The door is still wide open, so I get up and walk around the front room, pretending to stretch.<br /> His office is still empty and the door behind his desk is still closed.<br /> How big is that closet?<br /> The flip phone suddenly starts vibrating on the desk across the room and I quickly scramble back to silence it before he catches me in yet another embarrassing situation.<br /> Maybe I'll just stay put until he comes back out.<br /> The phone immediately vibrates again and a steady stream of text messages begin arriving over the next several minutes.<br /> Before I can finish scrolling through the tiny display, without a touch screen, I hear the door open inside his office.<br /> When he reappears, he's buttoning a new shirt and he's in a completely different set of clothes, at least as far as I can tell.<br /> “So how do I work? No computer.” I ask.<br /> “Don’t worry.” He said as he walked out of the office, returning seconds later with two of the black duffel bags.<br /> "This is for you." Slowly unzipping one of the bag, he pulls out a laptop.<br /> "Is there anything you'd like me to get started on today?" Gripping the edge of the desk, I roll myself back over and open the laptop.<br /> "There's a credit card in the side pocket of the bag. Feel free to set this space up however you'd like, within reason."<br /> "You want me to set this space up however I'd like?"<br /> He shrugs. "Within reason. And why not? You'll be the one working in it."<br /> "Okay. Is there anything else?"<br /> "You've got the phone, right?"<br /> "I do." I hold up the world's oldest flip phone.<br /> "Great. Just let me know if there are any messages I need to hear."<br /> "Is that all?"<br /> "Thankfully, yes."<br /> "All right then, is there anything else you need from me before I go?"<br /> “No.” He smirks before heading toward the door.<br /> I watch his back disappear from the door, preparing to plan the decoration of the office.<br /> *<br /> TYSON<br /> "Umm, good morning?"<br /> Bobbi suddenly appears at the open door to my office.<br /> She's early.<br /> "Hey." I jump up and turn off the music. "You're here early."<br /> "I am here early and I was hoping to steal you for a few hours this morning, if possible?" Her smirk says it all.<br /> "Steal me?"<br /> Bobbi takes her time, slowly scanning the nearly empty room I'm now calling my office. "We still have some work to do here."<br /> “Yes, we will do it. But before that, accompany me on a mission.” I say.<br /> “Wow, it’s so cool. Where are we going?” She asks.<br /> “Follow me.” I reply.<br /> Once we're in my car and on the way, Bobbi asks again, "Where are we going?"<br /> "A few years ago, I took on a client—a married couple that needed help separating. I got the woman settled into a new life down here at the beach. But…he's found her."<br /> "What's the plan, boss?"<br /> "I'm going to drive straight up to her cottage, go inside, pick her up, then escort her out of there."<br /> "And if her husband is there?"<br /> “Could I have let him discover us?” I sneer.<br /> “Okay, let me look forward to it.” She says.<br /> Fifteen white-knuckled minutes later, we speed over the Cooper River Bridge and onto Folly Island.<br /> The roads are narrow, and I spot him the moment we turn onto her street. "That's him in the black pickup on the right."<br /> "Oh no. He is here. What are you going to do?" she whispers, as if Sharyn's husband might hear her.<br /> "Ignore him." I drive right by his truck and straight into the driveway. "At least for now. Get out and walk straight to the side door. I'll be right behind you."<br /> She immediately does exactly what I instructed and within seconds we're inside.<br /> "Bobbi, this is Sharyn. Sharyn, this is Bobbi."<br /> I dispense with the quick introductions and get to the point. "Are you ready to go?"<br /> “Yes.” She answers immediately.<br /> “Let’s go.” I say.<br /> We quickly return to the car, and at that moment, a rampaging car appears on the road. Ron stick his head out of the driver's seat, "Don't even think about running away, Sharyn, you can never leave me."<br /> "Leave me alone!" Sharyn ducks down on the floor of the back seat, screaming, "Just leave me alone!"<br /> “What now?" she asks.<br /> "Don't underestimate my driving skills." I say.<br /> I start the engine and the car quickly merges into traffic. I haven’t raced in a long time and this is so cool.<br /> "I, I kind of want to throw up," she say.<br /> "Hang on, girl, I can get rid of him in a minute," I reply.<br /> "Thank you so much." Sharyn cries.<br /> "You're welcome, this is my mission." I say.<br /> Bobbi spends the next twenty minutes comforting and encouraging Sharyn as we drive back to the office. After I make some arrangements and book her flight, it's time to drop her off at the airport.<br /> "Thank you, both of you." Sharyn hugs us on the sidewalk outside the departure terminal.<br /> "This is for you." I hand her an envelope with as much cash as I could put together on short notice. "It's not much but it'll get you started. Let me know when you're settled."<br /> She tears up and hugs me again. "I cannot thank you enough. You're a saint."<br /> "Good luck, Sharyn."<br /> She turns and walks into the terminal without looking back.<br /> “I had a great day.” Bobbi watches Sharyn walking away and says.<br /> “Me too.” I say.<br /> *<br /> BOBBI<br /> "Spill all the details about your new job," Lauren says over the sound of the blade in her hand hitting the wooden chopping board.<br /> I shift my weight on the bar stool and rest my forearms on the counter. "I was out with Tyson today taking care of some work-related stuff and he got a phone call that sent him rushing to the aid of a client in Folly Beach. He had helped her escape an abusive husband, and today the husband found her."<br /> "You're kidding me."<br /> I shake my head. "Nope."<br /> "What happened?"<br /> "We raced off to her house and got her out while her maniac husband trying to catch up with us."<br /> "Oh my God."<br /> "Right?" I squeal the question. "It was insane, and Tyson calmly raced until we were completely free of the man."<br /> "Jesus, a chase too? It sounds like an action movie."<br /> "It was scary but also exhilarating at the same time."<br /> I nod effusively. “He also gave Sharyn some money to start her life in another place. He was so kind.”<br /> "Wow. You like this guy, huh?" Lauren asks.<br /> I nibble on my bottom lip while I allow myself to ponder what my feelings for Tyson are. In terms of physicality, he fits everything I'm attracted to. But who doesn't like a tall, dark, and handsome man?<br /> “Maybe yes.” I say.<br /> “What are you going to do?" She asks.<br /> “Actually I_” The text alert goes off on my phone.<br /> Tugging it from my back pocket, I glance at the screen. "Hold on a sec, this is Tyson texting me."<br /> Still want to go away with me?<br /> Sure. Where are we going?<br /> Hilton Head Island. Pack some formal clothes in case we rub elbows with some powerful people.<br /> Okay.<br /> I'll pick you up at noon.<br /> Sounds good. Are we undercover for this job?<br /> Yes. We'll come up with a backstory.<br /> Why don't we just pretend to be a couple? That's the most plausible reason we'd be together.<br /> That works.<br /> I send him one more text with my address and then I meet Lauren's curious gaze.<br /> "I'm going away with him this weekend," I confess.<br /> "What?" she shrieks excitedly.<br /> "Calm down. It's for work. He said I handled today so well, he could use my help this weekend on Hilton Head Island."<br /> "Girl, you need to take advantage of this opportunity and seduce him."<br /> "Funny you mentioned that. I just suggested we pretend to be a couple."<br /> Lauren grins. "It's a sign."<br /> I laugh. "It's a sign all right.”<br /> "Because you're desirous," Lauren states.<br /> "You're not completely wrong, but I'm not going to seduce Tyson. In fact, I'm going to text him back and tell him I changed my mind." My thumbs tap against the screen, typing out the message. Lauren slaps my phone from my hold before I hit send, then grabs it from the table before I can.<br /> "What" I frown.<br /> "You're not going to cancel on Tyson," she states.<br /> "I'm not?"<br /> "Nope. You're going to pack your bag and be waiting when he comes to pick you up.<br /> My nose crinkles with concern. "He said to pack some formal clothes. What am I going to do?" I don't own anything that comes close to mildly dressy, never mind formal.<br /> "Leave that to me." Lauren rises and takes hold of my hand, drawing me to my feet. "I have a closet full of beautiful dresses just going to waste. I'm sure we can find something that will let you have intercourse..."	LEARN_MORE	https://a.shepherdsapp.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvMTcxNzA2	110620302003689	Pop001	https://facebook.com/100092038763039	397	1	800,110,745,594,972	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Pop001	120208869348980338	a.shepherdsapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.shepherdsapp.com/ad/Zmljd29ybGQvMTcxNzA2LzIwMjQwNTA4MTA1MDQyL3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 21:56	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441044788_462121466388027_8557691085486623680_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=i7sK9Re211UQ7kNvgFfzZsu&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAzRX-OeevxOyhB3BoxpGSvVTfarhKTAY4MX3u1ie6VaA&oe=6641CBC3	person_profile	Pop001	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438216894_706432094822690_4531923259924052235_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=LGdwf6SGgeUQ7kNvgG6-ldM&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDjRb_Eq6REvoPI4NBrdpCyAhAGRlq9-Gg5oFKnyvTbeQ&oe=6641D03E	3	Pop001	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,111	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778176}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	373227585103946	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	What’s more embarrassing than a butt dial? Butt dialing your boss… And leaving a dirty voicemail when you’re uhh… “thinking” about them.<br /> Just had a sexual fantasy with my boss. I stand on legs that are just as shaky as he said they’d be. My throat hurts from moaning and I’m sore as all get-out. As I stand, my phone clatters to the floor.<br /> I reach down to pick it up—<br /> And freeze in horror.<br /> Ruslan’s name is lighting up my screen.<br /> And the call is active.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, I’ve been masturbating to the absolute filthiest fantasy I’ve ever had, starring Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> ————————<br /> Emma<br /> If anyone has a reason to cry, it’s me. My boss is an arrogant prick and my sister is dead and her husband is more of a burden than a help and I have three innocent kids I’m doing my best to raise right but I can’t seem to catch a break and I need sleep and food and more coffee and a vacation and a fresh start and—the list just goes on. One reason for each of my thousand tears.<br /> “Auntie Em! Auntie Em, wake up.”<br /> I come to with a start. The sun is slanting in through the blinds and I have absolutely no freaking idea what planet I’m on. I feel a sharp line of pain on my cheek. It takes me a long moment to realize that it’s because I have a shoelace plastered to my skin. I peel it off with a wince and look up to see Josh standing over me.<br /> “Auntie Em, it’s 7:45. We’re late for school.”<br /> The next fifteen minutes are a blur. I get the girls up and dressed in the least coordinated outfits in the history of terrible parenting. I hurl random food into their lunchboxes with no regard for nutritional value. And then we’re all sprinting out the door.<br /> Ben, needless to say, doesn’t so much as lift a finger to help.<br /> I get the evil eye from the receptionist at the kids’ school when I drop them off well into first period. I just pop a peck on each of their foreheads and then turn to Bane.<br /> I get another evil eye from the lobby receptionist there, too, but I don’t quite realize why until I’m in the elevator up to the thirtieth floor and I catch sight of my reflection in the polished bronze.<br /> I look like an absolute shitshow. My hair is a rat’s nest on my head and my blouse is on backwards. The fashionable one-shoulder cutout is framing my frayed bra strap instead of a tasteful slice of arm.<br /> Wet street dogs are more put-together than I am.<br /> It’s way too late to go back now, though. I can already imagine Ruslan’s eyebrow. It’s probably halfway up his scalp by now. His voice is going to be absolutely frigid when he hears me come stumbling in. Something like:<br /> “You have got to be kidding me.”<br /> Wait. That wasn’t my imagination. That was actually his voice.<br /> I open my eyes and turn around to realize that the elevator doors have opened—and who should be standing there but my beloved, benevolent boss?<br /> Sure enough, his eyebrow is locked and loaded and that cruelly sharp jaw of his clenched so tight that I wonder idly if he has a good dentist on speed dial.<br /> I open my mouth to defend myself, but what is there even to say? “I’m sorry,” I blurt. “I fell asleep after—It was a long night and—I’m sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”<br /> He doesn’t so much as blink. “I expect you to dress appropriately for your job, Ms. Carson,” he growls. “Not do the walk of shame through my building.”<br /> I frown. “The walk of—? Hold on. No, that’s not what this is. I didn’t—”<br /> “You’re wearing yesterday’s skirt and flaunting your undergarments like you think you can seduce your way out of being—” He checks his watch. “—two and a half hours late. I’m not sure if you think I’m stupid or easy. I’m also not sure which of those two would offend me more.”<br /> One word snags my attention. “Seduce?” I parrot stupidly.<br /> Out of nowhere, thoughts of what it would look like to seduce Ruslan Oryolov come prancing through my head.<br /> Wrapping his tie around my fist and bringing that smirking snarl down to my lips for a taste.<br /> Lying back on his desk, pencil skirt hiked above my hips, while he shoves my panties to the side and devours me like his last meal.<br /> On my knees on his office carpet as he stands over me and—<br /> “Ms. Carson, I’m not interested in your explanations. Go do your job. Before I find someone else to do it for you.”<br /> With that, he brushes past me and gets on the elevator. I turn and look dumbly at him as the doors close on his face. The last thing I see is the arrogant slant of his mouth.<br /> Then that, too, disappears.<br /> My cheeks are burning red for the rest of the day. Luckily, I have an extra cardigan at my desk, so I’m able to cover up the worst of my wardrobe malfunction.<br /> But my phone keeps pinging all day long with messages from Ruslan. Do this. Send that. Fax this. Email that. He’s as unbearable as ever. Everything from the expiration date on his coffee creamer to the status of the conference room chairs he’s so anal about merits yet another scathing comment from him. And after yesterday’s nightmare, I’m running on fumes.<br /> My only saving grace is that he has a gala tonight, so he’s scheduled to leave the office at 5:00 P.M. sharp. I’m counting down the last ten seconds until the clock strikes five like I’m a Times Square partier on New Year’s Eve.<br /> “Seven… Six… Five… Four… Three… Two… One…”<br /> Ping. Another text. I moan and look down to see the devil’s name pop up on my phone.<br /> RUSLAN: My office. Now.<br /> Goddammit. I was so close.<br /> Sighing, I get up and slink inside.<br /> “Shut the door,” he orders. It’s dark in here. The curtains are sealed tight and the temperature is Arctic. He’s a mass of shadows behind his desk, huge and fragrant. The only thing I can see is the sharp light of his amber eyes.<br /> “Sit.” A shadowy hand points at the chair across from his desk.<br /> I perch at the edge of the seat in question. My nerves are buzzing and frayed. I’m so, so tired. But I can’t show him that. Matter of fact, I refuse to show him that.<br /> I won’t give the smug prick the satisfaction of thinking he’s outlasted me.<br /> “I asked you yesterday if I had your full attention,” he begins. “I’m not so sure I do. So let me say this: if your priorities lie anywhere other than this company, then I will find a new assistant. I’m not a nice man, Ms. Carson. So believe me when I tell you that this is not the kind of place where you get three strikes before something bad happens. You mess up once—you’re gone. Am I making myself clear?”<br /> I swallow. “Yes, sir.”<br /> He nods. “Good. Be here on time tomorrow. Dress like you intend to keep your job. Now, if you’ll excuse me… there’s the door.”<br /> He looks down at his phone and poof, it’s like I don’t exist anymore.<br /> But I. Am. Pissed.<br /> He doesn’t know what I’m going through. He doesn’t know Ben is snoring and farting in my living room, or that three little kids are waiting on me to pick them up from after-school care. He doesn’t know that I buried my sister or that I’m barely keeping my head above water. He doesn’t know anything.<br /> “No.” I blurt it before I can think better of it. “No. No. I’m not some little worm under your shoe, Mr. Oryolov. I’m a—I mean, screw you, I’m a person! I have a life and hobbies and people who depend on me. I’m real! So I’d appreciate it very much if you’d pull your smug head out of your smug prick and treat me with some respect for once.”<br /> Ruslan blinks.<br /> Blinks.<br /> Blinks.<br /> “Is there something else, Ms. Carson?”<br /> That’s when I realize that my whole little tirade took place entirely in my head. It wasn’t real. All imagined. Just a pleasant little detour to a fantasy land where I give him my two cents and then some.<br /> I swallow past the nasty taste in my throat and stand. “No, sir,” I say quietly. “Nothing at all.”<br /> -<br /> I ended the call with my best friend, Phoebe.<br /> Then a face pops up on the black screen of my mind’s eye.<br /> It’s Ruslan because, like I told Pheebs, he haunts me even when I’m off the clock. He’s smiling that smile she described. That come-to-bed-and-let-me-show-you-what-I-can-do-to-you smile. The camera of my imagination pulls back and floats down.<br /> Imaginary Ruslan is wearing an ivory white button-down shirt with the top two buttons undone. Enough to see a dusting of dark chest hair and the edge of a tattoo I can’t quite make out. He flexes his forearms in front of him. Those knuckles crack, louder than I expected, and I let out a surprised little gasp.<br /> I like when you make that noise, he croons. Shall I see if I can make you do it again?<br /> I’m nodding before I’m even realizing what I’m doing. “Make me moan,” I plead.<br /> I’m also touching the inside of my knee before I realize what I’m doing. But it’s not my hands that are doing it—or at least, it doesn’t feel like it’s my hands. It’s Ruslan’s hands, huge and powerful, palming my thigh and drifting up under the edge of my pencil skirt.<br /> You’ve been a naughty assistant, he growls, breath minty in my face where it mingles with the woodsy spice of his cologne. There’s a faint laugh on the edge of his voice, like he knows that this whole thing is crazy but he’s just going with it because it’s hotter than it is ridiculous. You’ve been so very, very bad. Step into my office and shut the door.<br /> The rest of the world disappears like I just followed his orders. Gone is my messy apartment and the lingering smell of burrito cheese. Ruslan is all I smell now.<br /> That cologne.<br /> That breath.<br /> Beneath it, that musk that sets my nerve endings on fire.<br /> “Are you going to punish me, Ruslan?” I whisper.<br /> I’m on the literal edge of my seat, grinding and bucking against my fingers. Imaginary Ruslan has me eating out of the palm of his hand. I’d do anything for him. Say anything. Be anything.<br /> Imaginary Ruslan is every bit the cruel prick that real Ruslan is. He said he’d keep my orgasms to himself, but I feel like I stole this one from him. The euphoria of it rips through me in one endless lightning bolt after the next, until finally, what feels like an hour later, I come back to something like normal consciousness with drool on my lips and my fingers wet and sticky with my own desire.<br /> I stand on legs that are just as shaky as he said they’d be. My throat hurts from moaning and I’m sore as all get-out. As I stand, my phone clatters to the floor.<br /> I reach down to pick it up—<br /> And freeze in horror.<br /> Ruslan’s name is lighting up my screen.<br /> And the call is active.<br /> The reality of what is happening clicks in my gut immediately, but it takes a few delayed moments before my head comes to terms with it.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, I’ve been on a call with Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, I’ve been masturbating to the absolute filthiest fantasy I’ve ever had, starring Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> For seven minutes and thirty-two seconds, my phone has been recording every last moan and gasp and breath and twitch I made while I begged for his mercy and pleaded for him to make me come.<br /> Did Ruslan hear the whole thing?<br /> -<br /> “It’s over. My life as I know it is over. R.I.P. to me.”<br /> “I’m sorry, who is this?”<br /> “Pheebs!”<br /> She chuckles while I stare at my reflection in the mirror and try not to throw up. My phone is lying on the bathroom counter on speakerphone, mostly because my palms have been sweating since I saw the meeting invite in my calendar for today.<br /> 9:00 A.M. – 09:07:32 A.M.: Emma Carson 1-on-1 with Ruslan Oryolov.<br /> “Sorry. Couldn’t resist. Anyway, rewind, take a deep breath, then tell me what’s going on in your big girl voice. Unburden yourself. Take all the time you need. Just make it quick because I have a 9 o’clock appointment.”<br /> I’m bouncing on the balls of my feet now, the same way that Reagan does when she needs to pee really bad. “Yeah, so do I. With him.”<br /> “Ah. Oh, wait—oh.”<br /> I first called Phoebe last night right after realizing what I’d done. Her reaction was a dizzying mixture of pride and horror. I believe her exact words were, “Sure, it’s mortifying, but I’m glad you got your rocks off. Knew you had it in you.”<br /> She’s a little more reassuring now that things are escalating out of control. “That doesn’t necessarily mean he heard the voicemail, Em. Maybe this is just a standard, no-big-deal, super-boring-business-stuff Thursday morning meeting.”<br /> “It’s scheduled for seven minutes and thirty-two seconds. Precisely.”<br /> “Hm.” There’s a beat of silence. “Doesn’t look good, does it?”<br /> “Seriously? That’s all you’ve got for me? I’m gonna lose my job, Phoebe!”<br /> “You don’t know that for sure. Just take a deep breath and go in there, see what he wants. Play it cool, y’know?”<br /> “And what if what he wants is to kick my arse to the curb with a recommendation letter that claims I’m a dirty bimbo?”<br /> “I mean, there’s probably a market for that.” I moan as Phoebe’s laughter fades into a serious tone. “Listen, boo: whatever happens, you’re a strong, smart, confident woman and you’re gonna land on your feet. And until you do, I’ve got your back.”<br /> Her words mean everything to me, but I know that Phoebe doesn’t have much margin for error in her life, either. She struggles just as hard as I do. If she is able to help, it still wouldn’t put a dent in all the bills and loans looming over me.<br /> “Thanks for the pep talk. I’ve gotta go to my doom now.”<br /> “Keep your pecker up!”<br /> I blink. “Huh?”<br /> “Oklahoma talk. It means, like, ‘break a leg,’ but for Midwesterners.”<br /> If I weren’t worried about losing my job and ending up homeless on the street with three kids, I’d laugh. Instead, I say one more miserable goodbye, then spend a solid three minutes dry-heaving into one of the empty bathroom stalls.<br /> Once I’ve sufficiently bruised my stomach lining, I slink out of the bathroom and waste the remaining two minutes before the meeting standing outside of Ruslan’s door, watching the clock steal my life away one second at a time.<br /> “You okay, Emma?” asks Katie Miller, another of the executive assistants on this floor, as she passes by.<br /> “Dandy,” I mumble. “Just waiting for the noose.”<br /> “What was that?”<br /> “Nothing. I like your earrings. Have a good day.”<br /> She raises her brow a smidge. I’m not usually so dismissive, but I can’t concentrate on small talk right now. Not when I’m T-minus thirty seconds away from the end of my career.<br /> Dear God, I know I don’t pray to you often. Or, well, ever. But please help me out today and I’ll definitely consider starting on a more semi-regular basis.<br /> Great. Now, I’m bargaining with God. New low, Emma. New low.<br /> I take a deep breath and walk into his office. The shades are tight, snuffing out all the light of the Manhattan morning beyond. It’s like a bear cave in here—and the grizzly in question is sitting at his desk, scrolling through his phone. He doesn’t acknowledge me until I’m standing in front of his desk.<br /> “Sit.”<br /> The moment my rear end is parked, he puts his phone down and looks at me. Just looks at me.<br /> In the eighteen months that I’ve worked for him, he’s never once given me the benefit of his full attention. Even during our morning meetings, he’s either on his phone, flipping through files, or typing away on his laptop. I used to be annoyed about it. I’m only now realizing I should have been grateful.<br /> Should I say something?<br /> Maybe he wants me to break the silence. Maybe I’m supposed to give him an explanation, an apology, something. But the more the silence stretches on, the less I’m capable of breaking it.<br /> I decide once again that those amber eyes of his should be outlawed.<br /> “I heard the voicemail,” he says at last.<br /> I can’t place his tone. Amusement? Anger? Disbelief?<br /> “Do you have anything to say, Ms. Carson?”<br /> I launch into the apology I spent most of last night practicing in the mirror. “I can’t tell you how sorry I am, Mr. Oryolov. I have no idea what I was thinking. The whole thing was an accident; I didn’t realize I’d dialed you. I was so tired and out of it and… I can assure you that it will never happen again. I swear.”<br /> My cheeks are flushed with embarrassment, but I try to keep my voice steady. I can’t sound too desperate, although that’s exactly what I am.<br /> “Tell me, Ms. Carson: what would you do in my place?”<br /> “I would give the plucky, hard-working assistant another chance, maybe?” It’s a long shot, but I figure, what the heck? I just wish I’d asked it without my voice rising to an Alvin and the Chipmunks pipsqueak at the end.<br /> His mouth twitches with the promise of a smile, but it’s gone as quick as it came. “I know what you sound like when you climax, Emma. Is that the soundtrack you want running through all our interactions from now on?”<br /> Flushing the brightest of reds, I shake my head. “If we could maybe just forget this whole thing—”<br /> “The way I see it, there are only two options here.”<br /> I hold my breath.<br /> “One, I fire you.”<br /> There it is. I knew it. I’m done for. I’m going to need to call the welfare office and see what—<br /> “Or two… I give you exactly what you want.”<br /> I almost choke on my own saliva. What little is left in my gaping mouth. “W-what?”<br /> Silently, Ruslan offers me the blue folder lying in front of him. I pick it up with shaky hands and open the cover. It takes me a few long moments to figure out what on earth I’m looking at.<br /> A… contract?<br /> I read through the first page, feeling a strange sensation bubble up in my chest.Then, since I’m clearly misunderstanding something, I read through the first page again. And again. And again.<br /> Only then do I look up. “Is this a joke?”<br /> He doesn’t blink. “I never joke.”<br /> “It’s just that, it seems like, from what I read, um—”<br /> “I will offer you money and security in exchange for live encores of the little performance you sent me last night. In addition to meeting my other needs.”<br /> “And by ‘needs,’ you mean…intercourse?”<br /> He tilts his chin down and regards me solemnly. “How explicit would you like me to be, Ms. Carson?”<br /> What.<br /> “So this—” I raise the blue folder in my hand. “—is a sugar daddy contract?”<br /> His brow furrows. “I’d prefer to call it a ‘Friend With Benefits’ contract.”<br /> “But we’re not friends.”<br /> He smirks. “Fair enough. No, we’re not.”<br /> There’s a throbbing in my head that reminds me of the first time I got drunk. Sienna and I had snuck into Dad’s study the eve of my sixteenth birthday and stolen a 1984 Chateau Latour. We passed it back and forth, taking turns sipping from the bottle like it was cheap bagged drink until the whole thing was gone.<br /> For a moment, I think about what Sienna would say if she were here. Would she be outraged or intrigued? Would she slap the smug prick and storm out?<br /> Or would she grin and say, Double the price and I’m in.<br /> What would you do, Si?<br /> And then it hits me, a bolt of lightning straight to the chest, almost like she’s speaking to me herself. I miss her so much, it hurts. But she left little bits of herself behind, in all three of her children. The same kids I’m working off to protect.<br /> That right there is the answer.<br /> Sienna would have done whatever was best for her children.<br /> So I don’t slap him. I don’t storm out. I sit there and stare at my arrogant, prick boss who always gets exactly what he wants.<br /> And what he wants… is me.<br /> I meet Ruslan’s steely gaze. “What happens if I say no?”	LEARN_MORE	https://a.crazynovelapp.com/ad/TXlsaWIvMTcyNTYwLzI	101567746344602	Cra0003	https://facebook.com/100094651747378	76	1	976,973,583,791,994	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Cra0003	120212740516770679	a.crazynovelapp.com	NONE	video		https://a.crazynovelapp.com/ad/TXlsaWIvMTcyNTYwLzIwMjQwNTA4MTYxMzE0L3BhZ2U=?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-08 03:17	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438169661_1522250231699916_6428566126360811897_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=0d3NFIAwVyQQ7kNvgGkTscA&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfAC5t1jnvF4XKNmr5XQaYzow-xmCZHUNpaLC14PJWZReA&oe=6641E004	person_profile	Cra0003	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440747091_816191283179306_2937818747118847354_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TZsDo2JADz8Q7kNvgH40o0j&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfARPlweeHA8l10os3XduXBgWnrg7iJuuhuTANM1HJ-9sw&oe=6641F2A8	3	Cra0003	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
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1,777,991	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1777945}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:32	active	760	818871753631838	$47 Full Chiropractic Adjustment!	Hey Pittsburgh! For the Next Week, we are giving away 50 Vouchers for a Full Chiropractic Adjustment, a Detailed Nerve & Spinal Examination, a Health History Consultation, Digital X-Rays (if required) with a Report of Findings and a Personalized Treatment Plan, all for just $47 Dollars! (Normally a $345 Total Value)<br /> <br /> Get one NOW by clicking the link below!<br /> <br /> Ready to take control and alleviate pain? Click below to sign up and claim a voucher now!⁣	LEARN_MORE	http://fb.me/	108675978659688	CENK Integrated Health - Fox Chapel, PA	https://facebook.com/CENKIntegratedHealthFCPA	204	1	1,601,966,123,895,100	2024-05-08 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	CENK Integrated Health - Fox Chapel, PA	120209894389670154	fb.me	NONE	video	Book your appointment today.	http://fb.me/	2024-05-08 13:24	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441505790_718652553652183_7677084428163757229_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=100&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lrp4TciFimgQ7kNvgGof3Pb&_nc_oc=AdgCqUCHSuq8GJMD0m6pDlKBSN-xmiU3ebV5Tdo5CbNnfyRjYJAoG2GOEpl5qUtsi_w&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBYZbB3nM615ZMdY9BEeWyhetme3Bt-CbE9gfeaQwvREw&oe=6641E65A	person_profile	CENK Integrated Health - Fox C	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441501896_1481771152412251_1064767235710372901_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=V95OhOj9kz8Q7kNvgFpjufp&_nc_oc=AdiU2rZ8OnScTXqbXf_z2RVz9SkSxV0ncfoxfES_lVZ9-u_lebd-VxCiN7GtzmG71yU&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfC4ZElfw11ZP23yIu1u2973yn_bXFwMqo45_C5E3Swu2w&oe=6641CEB2	3	CENK Integrated Health - Fox Chapel, PA	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,049	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-08 18:33	active	760	1223681821943588	The Meowment of Truth Introducing an Unpredictable Ginger Cat to His New Kitten Sibling - Cole & Marmalade	"Little by little, it led to that epic milestone: face-to-face nose contact. It’s always so nerve-wracking! Will it work out, or will it be a fit of disastrous proportions?!" 🧡🙈🥰<br /> <br /> #lifewithcats #WelcomeWednesday #introducingcats #introducingtwocats #cats #adoptdontshop #gingercat		https://coleandmarmalade.com/2024/05/08/the-meowme	547884448577708	Cole & Marmalade	https://facebook.com/ColeandMarmalade	2,202,902	1	959,293,545,661,283	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0		Cole & Marmalade	120209483584700296	coleandmarmalade.com	NONE	image	When you have cats at home, it can sometimes be a big question mark if they will accept a new kitten or two. Introducing any new cat is always tense, although maybe more for us than for them! We don't want to see any fighting at the milestone moment of welcoming new family members.	https://coleandmarmalade.com/2024/05/08/the-meowment-of-truth-introducing-new-kitten/	2024-05-08 11:58	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438169409_2209182562759192_2531738470024818749_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=8jE5A8lciJgQ7kNvgFVENoj&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCrpOFHrDxFd04s3HDeo2pYKWQ-o1jdHAynk-acgjOe7w&oe=6641F51E	person_profile	Cole and Marmalade™	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441068753_1167328740946437_953636323986246672_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=6SD_uiSBgpYQ7kNvgEcv-sm&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBuTicVPzgP0s-1GlloOq8QxdyPdrtmmVzxu4B3iBIIoA&oe=6641D73C	3	Cole & Marmalade	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,081	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1777945}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:33	active	760	1498491417408178	$49 CONSULTATION, BALANCE TEST, NERVE TEST AND INFRARED PHOTOGRAPHY	𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼, 𝗡𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗯𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 Lancaster and Surrounding Areas!❗👋<br /> Feeling nails or electricity on your feet or hands can be a symptom of Neuropathy.<br /> <br /> We are Antelope Valley Frye Chiropractic, and I have a brand new treatment for Neuropathy and symptoms like feeling of electrical discharges, stings, burning, and numbness of the feet.<br /> <br /> This treatment can eliminate most of the pain and, in some cases, relieve it.<br /> It's safe and highly effective for most people.<br /> <br /> We are giving 23 discount vouchers this month to promote our office with the low cost of 𝗢𝗡𝗟𝗬 $49❗<br /> <br /> That includes:<br /> ✅ Consultation<br /> ✅ Balance test<br /> ✅ Nerve test<br /> ✅ Infrared Photography<br /> <br /> Few spots left available! So get yours today by clicking the button below the Image.👇<br /> ----------------------------------------<br /> Address: 42283 10th St W Suite 107, Lancaster, CA 93534<br /> Phone Number: (661) 669-8808	GET_OFFER	http://fb.me/	252338604630499	Frye Chiropractic - English	https://facebook.com/61557361259304	1	1	7,681,206,975,259,362	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Get offer	Frye Chiropractic - English	120210238907160021	fb.me	NONE	video		http://fb.me/	2024-05-08 11:24	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440426045_806323000976352_15405176077571364_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=PCAsyH49jPwQ7kNvgGPau8K&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCYCIzSJTvUtCFAq0KC6QZrvX0dApk3yVsZ0JwMss_vlA&oe=6641D573	person_profile	Frye Chiropractic - English	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440409836_430638853001572_1751482138988871758_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=MNChjSh7hMsQ7kNvgFHGCM_&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAvLYX8aCQKpNP9xuMIFVxGxIr7bTpTKiGypkx3HEt_VA&oe=6641DC0F	3	Frye Chiropractic - English	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,892	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-08 18:43	active	760	1506106330313200	Look Like Celebrity	celebrity video face change	INSTALL_MOBILE_APP	http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.y	135575752982929	Application Develop	https://facebook.com/61554299668591	0	1	422,281,574,085,009	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Install now	Application Develop	120207696283530122	play.google.com	NONE	video		http://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yeardin.livefaceswap.faceswapper	2024-05-08 00:43	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301079_691996879659890_4105789399409094360_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=zbr4BopliIAQ7kNvgGUhyAq&_nc_oc=AdgmiXJxCrr8sFAjVRrwNWlUkoirM3WG1MQXnu55MP5DipxZN7LlGAfZ0XLknxGD_W4&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCXpvsqy36POd4YXfZ1JxOp0A12ttkr8rTzYQgKw0v_DQ&oe=6641E8CB	person_profile	Application Develop	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438302850_1117578652790415_8532258099773514857_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=rHrGdxSQky0Q7kNvgFyR8ht&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDwkfFq3OR1v01WzbzaTTbk3AWR48HfPrdGFxkH-OThYA&oe=6641E07E	3	Application Develop	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,115	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778251}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	407779962124145	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband had been having an affair with his assistant. I could hear the sounds of moans pouring from our bedroom before I opened the door.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them having intercourse from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. <br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice.Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec."<br /> ————————<br /> Vivian<br /> I took a deep breath compose myself as the my introduction to the crowd began. My heart felt as if it was in my throat right now. It felt like the weight of the world was centered on my shoulders.<br /> If I was successful, not only would it launch my modeling career at age 28, but I would increase funding for this campaign.<br /> Since majority of the crowd outside of these curtains did not have my skin tone, I had to impress them.<br /> Today is the beginning of a campaign launching models with brown skin into the dominantly pale skinned model industry. I will be the face of the campaign and in order to be successful, I must make these rich people want to fund this campaign.<br /> And I will succeed.<br /> There has never been a fashion show like this, where I haven't had my hair straightened, my make up has not been contoured on my face to match those around me, and I am not walking fiercely down the walkway as if I'm walking on fire.<br /> I had always been confident in myself as a black woman yet I still found myself getting stage fright before my shows. Even more so with the bold campaign I was now launching.<br /> And after many failed seductive attempts with my husband lately, I wasn't sure if I could seduce the crowd before me.<br /> Instead I am to walk slowly, very seductively. My natural kinky curls framed my face, I have little to no make up on so that I appear soft as I am, completely naturally.<br /> The curtains are pulled back and as I began my walk down the aisle, it is not hard at all to seduce the crowd.<br /> I capture everybody's attention and when I pass them, the from the corner of my eye, I can see the effect I have on them and I couldn't help how it boosted my confidence.<br /> My walk is so natural and graceful that I practically glide down the run way. The bronze light is soft and makes my brown skin glow in the dark like highlight. The sway of my hips is mesmerizing to the crowd, so I pause and I turn slowly looking at all the faces to give them my best seductive smile.<br /> Many have lost their composure, becoming flustered by my attention. I hold my smirk, this is my crowd now.<br /> I almost falter when I see that my husband is not among the crowd. Once upon a time, he was always the first face that I graced with my smiles. He had never missed one of my shows in the beginning, looking up at me just as entranced as the rest of the crowd.<br /> I can feel my eyes watering so I quickly look away from them and continue making my way down the runway.<br /> When I finish with the crowd, I walk back up the runway and into the darkness hiding me from the crowd as they all cheer. In the darkness I hold my face, I can't help the excitement that overcomes me. I did it!<br /> My husband had promised to be here today. If he wasn't behind stage with the rest of my crew then I didn't know what this would mean for our marriage. I could worry about all that tomorrow though.<br /> Tonight, I fuccccckkking owned that crowd and I was sure going to celebrate my success on my birthday.<br /> I let out the breath that I had been holding and recompose myself then I walk behind stage to the small group gathered for me. I grin victoriously, strutting up to them saucily.<br /> "You did it, Vi! They all looked like they wanted to eat you up." My best friend and manager Naomi screams running up to me to hug me while all my co-workers clap and shout congrats. "How about some birthday cake before the next show?"<br /> I give Naomi the biggest hug and nod.<br /> "What's wrong girl?" She asks noticing something is wrong right away.<br /> I want to be happy but I have this really terrible feeling in my chest. I hug her back trying not to smile awkwardly as I ask her if my husband Richard made an appearance tonight.<br /> "No, I didn't see him? Was he supposed to be here?" She asked.<br /> "Yes." I replied. I could see the look of pity on her face as she shook her head, it had been about 4 years since he had been to one of my modeling gigs. And what type of message did that send? He was my husband and should've been here to support me.<br /> Part of me isn't really surprised, I knew when I refused to quit modeling and depend fully on Richard financially that our marriage would change.<br /> But this job is what helped get his business up and running when we graduated college with no immediate careers in sight. So I decided to keep modeling even after Richard became financially stable, despite it not being anything closely related to what I'd majored in.<br /> Naomi attempts to cheer me up with the double chocolate layer cake she baked me for my birthday and I grin at her trying my best not to let my intuition eat away at my happiness, nobody wanted an unhappy campaign model right?<br /> I finally manage to escape Naomi and her devil addicting double chocolate cake, making my way out front to the crowd to make my appearances and answer questions for those who had attended the opening show before the next show started.<br /> Afterwards when it was time for the second show, I made my way backstage to my booth to check my phone for any messages from Richard. He was a very successful business man that had recently become the owner of the company he had worked for, thanks to me, why shouldn't he take days off to support my career? Why else was his secretary always around for then?<br /> The bad feeling in my chest only increase at that point, and I recognized it as my intuition. Something was up and I was so angry that I seemed like the only one who wanted our marriage so I was gonna confront Richard about it. After not locating my phone, I realized that I had left my phone at home and since this was the second show I could afford to leave. I was only required to show my face at the after party that started in 6 hours and I would be back by then.<br /> I grabbed my bag and dipped before anyone noticed, sneaking another slice of Naomi's cake as I went.<br /> When I finally made it home I sat in the car for a moment smashing on the piece of cake because Richard hated when I ate sweets. It was my birthday, I deserved to smash my face in it!<br /> When I finished, I walked into the house instantly noticing the clothing littered the floor. There were female clothing scattered among the trail that led upstairs. A sickening feeling overcame me at that moment but I forced the cake that had suddenly came up back down, following the trail of clothing up the stairs to my bedroom door slowly, quietly.<br /> I could hear the sounds of moans and groans pouring from our bedroom.<br /> My husband had grown bold, it seemed. Obviously he had no respect for me if he passed up one of the most successful campaign launches for my career to bring a bimbo to our house to have an affair.<br /> I almost turned to leave, wanting to just walk away with my heart partially intact but I knew I had to see this. I tried to mentally prepare myself for this. I wanted to know who the bimbo was.<br /> To bring a woman to our home and have intercourse with her in our bed on my birthday? He was so disrespectful and just asking to be caught. As I stepped closer to the door, I could hear her telling him how much she loved him through the door.<br /> He responded, telling her that he loved her too. I closed my eyes counting to ten and gathering what remained of my resolve.<br /> I can do this, I thought. I must see this.<br /> I forced myself to open the door, my eyes widening as I saw them in the act up close and personal.<br /> I realized that he had been having an affair with his assistant, Emily. The sad part is that this did not appear to be just a regular experience. They were making love and the familiarity of it told me that it had been happening for quite a while. I couldn't have prepared myself for the pain that I felt slicing through my heart in a thousand years.<br /> My soul was in agony, this was not something that the mind couldn't rationalize for the sake of saving my heart from breaking into pieces. It had been in my face all along and I had been blind to it because we had started attending marriage counseling together. What a joke the marriage counselling must have been to both of them.<br /> My marriage was over. And that one thought kept repeating inside my head like a broken record.<br /> It's over.<br /> I dropped my bag at the door, turning to run away from the sight of them. I couldn't take the pain of watching them anymore. My marriage to Richard had meant everything to me, we had been married 10 years.<br /> I managed to hold my sobs as I ran outside of my home, past my car, and down the streets of our beautiful neighborhood. I just let myself run freely, trying to run myself to exertion to exchange the pain from my heart to the pain in my legs. My silk dress had ripped all up my thighs exposing my lace panties, too delicate for the strain that my pumping legs made. I did not care at all, not pausing to cover myself or look if anybody was looking at me.<br /> When I finally stopped to catch my breath and look around I was just at the local park 10 minutes away from my home. I finally let my sobs out, breaking down completely as I saw that the park was empty.<br /> Richard had been my high-school best friend turned sweetheart after prom, when I gave him my first time. I had always loved him, just fell in love our senior year. I had wanted to have children with him and grow old with him, I did everything right to keep him happy. I had never looked back and regretted anything until now. I knew that we were never supposed to be more than friends but I still married him after high-school because he had been the only guy I wanted to be with.<br /> Richard had cheated once before in college but that was just a one time at a party. He hadn't came back to our dorm that night and that next morning, I had just knew. I forgave him since we were still basically kids in college, told him he was still who I wanted and that I wouldn't dream of sleeping with another man. But still once a cheater, always a cheater.<br /> He destroyed me..<br /> Everything else I could deal with. Marriage was about forgiveness and making sacrifices, right?But sharing intimacy with another? That was the worst type of betrayal. I couldn't stay with him after this. I couldn't forgive him for this, but I was too weak to walk away. Love didn't just fade away, the hurt was still there stabbing me in my chest. I wanted him to hurt, I knew that he loved me. I was the real mastermind behind his company. He couldn't afford to lose me.<br /> But I had nothing left to give. I had put everything including my soul into my marriage, only for it to shatter before my eyes. I couldn't stand another thought of being on this Earth without him after this, either.<br /> He was my only best friend after all.<br /> How would I end it?<br /> My LIFE.<br /> How would I commit suicide?<br /> Pills? Hanging? Knife? Bridge?<br /> I could have a peaceful death. I would drown myself, let the water end the anguish that brewed inside my heart. And when they found my body, he would know.<br /> He did this. He lost me, forever.<br /> ---<br /> Vivian<br /> Silence makes many people very uncomfortable. It's non existence is deafening, it can be insistent and unable to escape. People cannot stand the thought of being alone in silence. People crave interaction with people, they crave attention.<br /> I, however, craved intimacy. And I was not just talking about intercourse.<br /> Intimacy wasn't about who could touch my body, it was about who could touch my soul.<br /> Intimacy was the purest form of connection, something I lacked in my marriage.<br /> Now I wished that I could capture that silence for myself. I wanted to bottle that silence, preserve it just for me so that I could release it every time my thoughts overwhelmed my head.<br /> I studied the ripples that my legs made in the pond.<br /> Beautiful, I thought, tilting my head up to look up into the dark sky. I closed my eyes, if I waited any longer I would lose my nerve. I sucked in my breath, desperately trying to taste the sweetness of summer one last time but it was too late. I tasted bitterness on my tongue and I felt it engulfing me, tainting the taste that I had wanted to savor. I gasped, inhaling fresh air, despair filled me at the thought that I would leave this world with my soul not at peace. I forced myself to believe that I could taste the final sweet taste of summer and it subdued my mind as I gently stretched my legs side to side before sliding into the water allowing the water to close over my face without panicking.<br /> The water was colder as I floated underneath it. My dress seems tighter, constricting my gentle movements so I removed it, ripping it off my body before I really started to panic.<br /> Peaceful. Peaceful. Peaceful. I chanted inside my head, all I wanted was to die peacefully. Something inside me won't allow that though, something rebels. I am rebelling.<br /> I've never been a coward, why should I start now?<br /> Because it hurts...<br /> Suddenly loud ringing starts in my ears and I gasp stupidly, releasing the the little air that I had been holding onto. The water has changed, becoming insistent and dragging me down. The fear consumes me, I am really terrified to die. What happened to dying peacefully?<br /> Just fight for your life. My conscience screams.<br /> I desperately fling my arms back and forth, pumping my legs to swim to the surface of the water. I swim until I can see a glimmer of light in the dark water, the surface was just there but my body is weaker now. I can barely move because I've driven my body to exertion.<br /> I am just about to reach the surface when my breath finally gives out and I am forced to swallow the water.<br /> I've tempted Satan with my soul, now he is going to make me drown.<br /> You were almost there, I couldn't help thinking as I began to jerk uncontrollably, the water inducing spasms of my larynx. Within 30 seconds, the laryngospasms begin to weaken and I'm losing consciousness. My life begins flashing before my eyes and as my brain skims through my wonderful childhood, it isn't long before I see Richard. He was my first best friend. My first love. My first everything and my life with him flashed.<br /> Realizing that I loved him. Marrying him after high school graduation. The discovery of his infidelity in college. Choosing to stay and work through our problems. Graduating college with honors with him at my side. Pursuing a modeling career to help support us while he became stable. Then finally coming home tonight to discover that that infidelity had never ceased.<br /> The pain of knowing that 10 years of my life had been wasted in a one-sided loveless marriage with a cheating prick did not hit me as hard as earlier. The pain was just gone, I had not loss much with Richard... only time.<br /> Then my flashes stop and I see what could be, my life starting anew. Dating, a faithful relationship with the man of my dreams, having children in my little farm house. I want it so bad but it is just out of my grasp. The water is pulling me down, refusing to allow me to float just under the waterline anyone. I am sinking like a stone.<br /> I know that brain failure is imminent but I also know that there is one last chance to survive.<br /> My body forces me to inhale again and with that force, I propel myself upwards. I finally break the surface of the water, spitting up all that awful tasting water that I had pretended tasted so sweet. I climb out of the pond, looking down at the misleading peaceful looking waves.<br /> I ripped off the remainder of my underwear hating the feeling of wet clothing on my skin, decidi<br /> ng right then and there that I would never step foot in any large body of water ever again. I start my walk back to my home.<br /> When I opened the door to the house and made my way pass the clothing, I smiled a very dark smile.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them making love from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> And now I would not go silently.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. They were making love, it was no question.<br /> The door smacked the wall hard alerting them that I was here. Emily's shocked gasp filled the air.<br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice." I commented before making my way to my walk in closet. "Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec." I grabbed a dress for the after party that I was now late for and made my way to the bathroom humming happily.<br /> At the angle that I took the pictures, the affair was unmistakable. I smiled at them again when I passed. Emily now scrambled to grab the covers that they had kicked on the floor. I chuckled, I had already saw everything she had to offer, with the comforter out of her reach she was now using Richard to shield her and neither of them would make eye contact with me.<br /> "At least own up to what y'all were doing, be adults about it. I'm not mad." I said.<br /> "Vivian, I can-" Richard began to try to make that dumb hip excuse, with that dumb hip look on his face pissing me off. The nasal sound of his voice was pissing me off. Everything about him was pissing me off. What did I ever see in him? Love sure blinded the outta me if I was just noticing this now.<br /> "Explain? No need to Richard, I see you both right now. Again, continue if you wish, I'll be on my way in a minute." I said, shutting the bathroom door and showering.<br /> I thanked fate for allowing me to leave my phone home in order to discover the affair. I took my sweet time, going all out with my routine and appreciating the warm water after I had been floating in that cold hip water for close to 3 hours. I even started to sing, ignoring Richard when he knocked on the door calling my name.<br /> After I got done I continued ignoring him while I dried, lathered myself with oils, and did my hair. my time was all my own again. My days of answering to him were over.<br /> "Freedom," I sang, opening the door and pushing past him. "Why were you undressed? What do you mean you're not mad?" He was frowning at the dress that I had on. "Where are you going Vivian?" He asked.<br /> "Not today, Richard." I said, ignoring his question. Both of them were now dressed and she sat on the perfectly made as if the affair had never happened.<br /> "Vivian, I would like to apologize," She began as we made eye- contact. I could almost respect her, but she was the worst type of person. They both were. <br /> "How long?" I asked her.<br /> "About-" She began.<br /> "Emily shut it, Vivian its not what you think. We-"<br /> "Save it, Richard. I was speaking to Emily, woman to woman. Now, how long?" I said looking at her. I saw his disbelief that I had just cut him off. I had never did it before but then again, I had never disrespected him by cheating or even entertaining the thought either.<br /> "About 4 years." Longer than I thought initially, but now that I thought back he had stopped attending my shows around that time.<br /> "Wow, I hope you both have a good night. <br /> I'm out." From the corner of my eye I notice Richard eyeing me. I turned getting him a 360 view of my dress and his face turned red. "Where are you going, Vivian?" He said it possessively.<br /> "To have passionate intercourse with a random stranger, Richard." I could feel a hysterical laugh building inside me but I manage to hold in in, smiling instead. "Its only fair that I make up for all the intercourse I've been missing out on due to your negligence. Enjoy your secretary, husband. When we're divorced, feel free to marry her because when I'm done with you, nobody will come near either of you again." I said, leaving them dumbfounded.<br /> I made a show of bending to grab my purse at the doorway, turning back to smile seductively at Richard.<br /> I giggled, standing and holding my head high as I walked out of the house to my car. I had never been insecure of my body but since Richard treated me as if I'd been invincible, and not from a lack of trying on my part, for the past two years I had been questioning myself. I mean slowly losing my self confidence as the significant other.<br /> Never again... Near death experiences had a way of making you see what really mattered.<br /> My happiness.<br /> Call me selfish or whatever. I have missed out and tonight I was going to make up for it.<br /> Nothing could make me stay to work things out at this point, I was divorcing him. With the proof I had, I would destroy him then take everything that he had. I wasn't walking away from this 10- year investment empty handed.<br /> Once, he told me that he would give me the world.<br /> But I could settle with his bank account.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.menovels.com/ad/ZmljZnVuLzE3MTc4NS8yMDI0	128135990379169	Myno003	https://facebook.com/61550840804079	87	1	1,123,516,052,092,977	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Myno003	120208576282870442	a.menovels.com	NONE	video		https://a.menovels.com/ad/ZmljZnVuLzE3MTc4NS8yMDI0MDUwODEwNTUzOS9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 22:03	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438145691_1470190976916583_3419441118466036624_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=kySdUwktl1QQ7kNvgGLEC1f&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCZEA--akG5tEbrCYsISBBaCJCAL8w-oBZ2g9VuwaqAzw&oe=6641D982	person_profile	Myno003	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441158500_411806275036454_3253561628698972486_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=171-kBAGfCwQ7kNvgFZWKwf&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCHbQpy1VfreBmKHkOKcdp-R2f-Lr76_f09KN11AoTDsA&oe=6641E628	3	Myno003	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,113	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778379}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:34	active	760	400443492902313	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"Dad I can explain...."<br /> "Explain what exactly Dimitri? How you slept with your fiancée’s best friend for 6 months and she caught you in the act?"<br /> I knew better than to speak so I just hung my head low as he ranted on.<br /> "I hope it was worth it because you lost the best woman you ever had and now you may just lose the company if this gets out and starts a scandal!"<br /> ————————<br /> Kayan<br /> I was betrayed by two people I trusted implicitly, my best friend and my fiancé, or so i thought.<br /> Without saying a word, I bent down and picked up my phone. By this time Dimitri had donned his boxers and his slim fit navy dress pants. Mariana on the other hand was gripping the white sheet, trying to cover her body and was sobbing uncontrollably.<br /> Normally her tears would have stirred some sort of emotion but I felt absolutely nothing looking at her.<br /> Dimitri stepped towards me with his outstretched hand but I stepped back, and when I spoke my own voice surprised me.<br /> Two words, " How long?". I stared at both of them expectantly. Dimitri sighed and rubbed his face, looking at me with regret.<br /> When no response was forthcoming from him, I turned to Mariana and pinned her with a glare. " Shut up Mariana! I asked a question and I need an answer now!" I shouted.<br /> She pulled her knees to her chest as her body shook in fear, she had only seen me angry once so she knew not to taunt me. Dimitri on the other hand, was stunned.<br /> She looked at me and stuttered in fear " S....si...six months", and hung her head low. I absorbed her reply, laughed hysterically, which caught both of them by surprise. They looked at each other shrugging their shoulders and just as I started laughing suddenly, I stopped abruptly.<br /> "Six months you say? I guess this is the part where you'll say it was a mistake, you never meant to hurt me and you're both sorry right?." I spoke calmly, surprising myself.<br /> Dimitri was first to speak " Kay, please I'm so sorry. We were both tipsy after your work anniversary party,and after I dropped her off, everything went to terrible. I'm so sorry baby but..." I laughed again, cutting him off mid sentence.<br /> I held my hand up then turned to Mariana" What about you bimbo, any last words?" Her eyes bulged in fear and I watched her squirm in fear. She knew I could put a bullet between her eyes even with my eyes closed , thanks to my Dad taking me to the pistol range every Saturday for 2 years.<br /> She sprung to her knees, the sheet fell exposing her and I saw all the hickeys along her neck and on her breasts. "Kay please, let's talk about this. I'm so sorry and I regret this. I'm so sorry for hurting you like this, it wasn't planned."<br /> The nerve of this woman, I thought. I should have listened to my gut all those months ago. She kept thwarting our plans, started traveling a lot and would barely take my video calls then. And she kept changing or bashing my wedding plans and like a fool, I brushed it aside.<br /> Dimitri was the same, one business trip after another, late nights and then he was distant. When I asked him about it, he promised to do better than what he did, but there was a subtle change. We no longer have sleep.<br /> Both of them looked at me expectantly, waiting for the weak, docile Kayan to shed tears and assure them everything would be okay.<br /> I dropped my phone into my bag, grabbed my pistol and clicked the safety off. I swiftly fired two rounds which were followed by agonizing screams. I shot Dimitri in his thigh just inches from his shaft while Mariana got hers in her right shoulder. Just enough to cause pain but not be fatal.<br /> I walked out the room but turned to them saying " That's for the betrayal, I never want to see or hear from either of you again. The next time you won't be so lucky."<br /> I descended the stairs shakily, I touched my face checking for tears but there were none. My chest was convulsing but I refused to give in to the pain I was feeling.<br /> As I got to the last step, I looked around, marched over to the fireplace and threw all photos she had of us together into it. I lifted the stoker, broke her 60" Samsung TV and everything went red from thereon. I trashed her apartment then walked out as if nothing happened.<br /> I grabbed my baseball bat from my trunk, smashed all her windows and doors. Just as I about to leave, I saw Dimitri's Silver Range Rover across the street.<br /> How didn't I notice it before?<br /> I walked up to it and repeated my actions. When I was satisfied, I hopped into my van and drove away.<br /> ---- <br /> Dimitri<br /> I couldn't believe Kayan shot us and simply walked away. I had known her for over 6 years but I never encountered this side of her. I knew I deserved that, worst of all, I ruined the one good thing I had done.<br /> I was thinking with my shaft and not my brain, because in assessing the current situation, Mariana was just a good woman. There is attraction, but the feelings I have for Kayan are deeper.<br /> Her sobs reverberated around the bedroom , bringing me back to the current situation.<br /> When Kayan left the room, I heard her trashing Mariana's apartment downstairs and was about to go after her.<br /> Mariana's words stopped me dead in my tracks, "Leave her be, Dimitri, she will kill you! She needs to calm down first before we approach her." I turned to her slowly, trying to ignore the pain and blood gushing from my wound.<br /> "What do you mean Mari? I'm going after her! There is no us. This was a mistake. I need to talk to her!" I ran my hands over my face then slid my belt around my leg making a tourniquet.<br /> She slid off the bed, gripping the sheet with her uninjured shoulder. " Take it from me, we're lucky to be alive! You have never seen her upset or know what she's capable of in this state but I do!" She tiptoed to the door listening for any further sound from downstairs, but was greeted with silence.<br /> Mariana sat on the stairs shaking and crying while gripping her disheveled hair.<br /> The front door was ajar, I moved to lock it but the sight of Mariana's car took my breath away. I looked across the street to mine and it looked even worst.<br /> I shook my head, sighed and turned too quickly, causing a searing pain in the bullet wound.<br /> I called my driver Michael and told him to be quick and discreet.<br /> Mariana got dressed in the meantime while we waited with bated breaths.<br /> Michael arrived in about 10 minutes, his eyes expressed shock but he knew better than to ask any questions.<br /> He drove us to Wyckoff Medical, the only place I knew would be discreet about what happened.<br /> Using the back entrance, we were quickly ushered into separate rooms for assessment.<br /> As I laid on the bed, I felt Dr. Green prodding my wound for the bullet. He's been our family physician since I was a child, so when he asked who I pissed off this time , I sighed and ignored him.<br /> All I could think about was Kayan, she was my everything!<br /> Not anymore you prick, you screwed up and you're lucky to be alive, I shook my head, trying to shake guilt ridden thoughts from my subconscious.<br /> I reminisced on all the times we spent together, the plans we made for our future and our kids. I reflected on how she supported me even when my own father doubted me. She never gave up on me. You shut up Dimitri!<br /> Dr. Green waved his hand above my eyes while calling my name. " Did you hear anything I said just now?" he asked quietly.<br /> I sighed " No, what is it?". My tone was clipped but right now I didn't care, I could apologize later.<br /> He rolled his eyes before continuing "I said there's a detective waiting outside to talk to you, you know it's my duty to report this." He grabbed a scissors and cut the thread, signaling that he had finished stitching my wound.<br /> "You'll live, but stay off your feet for a few days, and use a crutch if you have to move around." Dr. Green bandaged my leg and was about to leave when I stopped him.<br /> "Wait, I apologize for my behavior Doc. Where's the young lady who came in with me? I need to see her now." He looked at me sadly, shook his head and left the room without a word.<br /> My guess is he figured out why Kayan hadn't rushed into the hospital demanding answers. The realization hit me of how I not only disappointed Kayan but everyone close to me, especially my parents. <br /> I must have dosed off from the pain medication I had gotten as I was woken up by Mariana gently shaking my shoulder and calling my name.<br /> Blinking my eyes to adjust to the bright lights, I grabbed the remote and adjusted my bed. Mariana looked terrible, her hair was unkempt and her eyes were swollen. Her right arm was bandaged and now in a sling.<br /> She sat in the chair beside the bed and hung her head low. " I spoke to the police, I told them we were mugged at the apartment as we were trying to finalize wedding arrangements." It was barely a whisper, but I sighed in relief.<br /> "We messed up but I agree, I'll tell them the same thing. Kayan doesn't deserve this." My throat felt hoarse so I reached for a tumbler with water, poured a cup and took several sips.<br /> " I told you we needed to stop Dimitri but you insisted on coming over!" I pinned her with a glare which caused her to shut up immediately.<br /> The nerve of this woman! I laughed coldly before turning to her " Oh so now it's my fault Mar? Surely you weren't complaining when I rammed your wet dripping private part with my shaft right? You never said stop! Anything else I'm forgetting?" My chest was heaving by the time I finished ranting.<br /> I was about to continue but her sobs erupted. She looked at me lost, guilt etched across her face before she stood to leave.<br /> "Look Mar, I'm sorry okay. I just don't know what to do." I held her wrist, my thumb caressing the inside of her hand in a comforting way. "How did she get in though?"<br /> Mariana was trembling as tears streamed down her face. She took a deep breath before she spoke. "I forgot she had a key from over a year ago. She would always check the place when I traveled for a convention or went to see my family."<br /> My mouth opened to speak but no words were forthcoming and they never came as the door banged open, slamming into the wall denting it.<br /> Jumping with fright, we turned to see my very pissed off father and my distraught mother. Before I could utter a word, he spoke," You, get out now and don't let me see your face again!" Mariana jumped in fear and ran from the room sobbing before I could stop her.<br /> "Dad i can explain...." He slammed his hand onto the small table, knocking the tumbler over.<br /> My mom grabbed his arm, trying to calm him down but he flicked her hand away and grabbed my hospital gown roughly, "Explain what exactly Dimitri? How you slept with your fiancée’s best friend for 6 months and she caught you in the act?"<br /> I knew better than to speak so I just hung my head low as he ranted on.<br /> "I hope it was worth it because you lost the best woman you ever had and now you may just lose the company if this gets out and starts a scandal!"<br /> "I'm going to fix this Dad, just give me a chance please." I turned towards my mom seeking support but she turned her head away from me. " Mom, please I'm sorry, I'll fix this. I'm gonna make everything right."<br /> My Dad simply scoffed at my words, took my Mom's hands and walked out the door.<br /> The only sound that filled the room was that of the water droplets bouncing on the floor.<br /> ---- <br /> Mariana<br /> I have never been more regretful in my entire life. My head was throbbing non stop, my eyes were puffy from all the tears I'd shed in the past 24 hours. My mind replayed the events and all I could think of, was that I should be dead by Kayan's hands.<br /> My driver dropped me off to the apartment, and as I stepped inside I once again surveyed the damage. Nothing was left untouched, I had to start over but I guess that's the price to pay for stabbing your best friend in the back for six months.<br /> I wanted to stop so many times, I knew it was wrong but Dimitri was like a spirit I couldn't get enough of.<br /> We decided to take the secret to our graves and everything was going great until I saw him a week later at Danny's Cafe. We sat and talked for a while but after an hour when we attempted to leave, the sexual tension was just too much to ignore.<br /> From thereon, we used our lunch breaks and any free time we could muster to screw each other senseless. After each encounter, we'd say it was the last time , but that never happened as soon after I took trips when he did or he came to my apartment before going home.<br /> All this time, I gave Kayan a million excuses as to why we couldn't meet up, continued planning her wedding virtually and offered excuses when she whined about Dimitri being overly consumed by work.<br /> I even ended things with my own boyfriend as our relationship became strained and miserable because of my infidelity.<br /> Now this is the endgame, I lost my best friend who always stood by me and I'm pretty sure Dimitri and I have no future.<br /> Sitting on the stairs, I decided to take a leap of faith and call Kayan. If I could just get her to listen to me for a second, I would tell her how sorry I am and try to fix things.<br /> As I dialed her number, it went directly to voice-mail, and after trying a few more times unsuccessfully, I decided to go see her. I ordered an Uber, waiting outside for a few minutes before the car pulled up.<br /> I got in, gave the driver her address and stared blankly out the window. The only sounds were that of the music playing in the dashboard.<br /> Ten minutes later, I was standing on the curb outside Kayan's townhouse. Hesitantly, I opened the gate, trudged up the steps and rang the bell. I was there waiting for a few minutes, I called her but there was no response.<br /> I walked to the garden by the lamp post where she always hid a spare key. It was gone.<br /> Just as I was about to step from the yard, I was stopped in my tracks by a faint voice. My hopes increased but when I turned around expecting Kayan, no one was there.<br /> What was that then, I thought to myself.<br /> I reopened the Uber app, placed my request and waited by the curb.<br /> "She's not here you know." I was startled by the voice and was relieved to see her neighbor Michael.<br /> "What do you mean? Where is she?" I asked hurriedly.<br /> He eyed me suspiciously before replying,<br /> "Seeing you here looking like poop tells me you had a role in Kay's sudden departure 2 hours ago." His words were true yet hurtful, I castedmy eyes down in shame.<br /> "You don't know, Mike, just tell me where she went, I need to talk to her before it's too late" I begged him.<br /> The prick was nonchalant as he leant against her gate typing away on his phone. After getting a ping, indicating a message, he looked up at me smirking.<br /> "Well if you must know, my girl left for England indefinitely..." he paused, struggling to hold back a snicker, "...Oh and she says you should go yourself or Dimatro, whatever the pretty boy's name is." Michael was now clutching his side laughing hysterically while I sighed in defeat.<br /> She's gone! And now there's no way I will find her because I can't go to her family and I'm pretty sure she's already changed her number!<br /> I didn't warrant Michael a response since the Uber pulled up, I hopped in and left.<br /> My phone began vibrating in my pocket and I grabbed it quickly, just hoping it would be Kayan. I was disappointed as Dimitri's name flashed on the screen.<br /> "What do you want Dimitri? Haven't we done enough, didn't you hear what your father said?" I shouted angrily, catching sight of the driver's raised brows in the rear view mirror.<br /> "Calm down Mari, I wanted to apologize for my Dad. I'm getting discharged now so I'm heading home, I need to sort things out with Kay." Though I had wanted the same thing minutes ago, I couldn't help the pang of jealousy that gripped me.<br /> Before I could stop myself I snarled in response<br /> "Thanks for asking how I'm doing you prick! Oh and don't bother going there because she's gone!"<br /> "What are you talking about Mari! This is not the time to joke with me..." I'd had enough of his nonsense so I cut him mid sentence " Kay's gone Dimitri, I just left the house, she's not home and her neighbor says she left for England." The other end of the line was silent.<br /> I looked at the screen to see if the call had been disconnected but the line was still open.<br /> "Dimitri?" He sighed in response and I heard him grunt in pain, perhaps moving too quickly on his injured leg.<br /> "I'm here Mari. How will I fix things if I don't know where to find her? Of all the places, she had to chose England!? Couldn't she have just gone to her parents? What am I going to do now?"<br /> I wanted to speak but my throat felt as if it was clogged.<br /> I cut the call, switched to airplane mode and rested my head against the window as fresh salty tears rolled down my cheeks.<br /> I lost everything.<br /> My best friend. Dimitri . And a family who accepted me without judgement and showed me nothing but love all these years.	LEARN_MORE	https://a.thepopfic.com/ad/UG9wRmljLzE3MjYwNS8yMDI	110620302003689	Pop001	https://facebook.com/100092038763039	397	1	1,830,948,094,069,384	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	Pop001	120211193491610002	a.thepopfic.com	NONE	video		https://a.thepopfic.com/ad/UG9wRmljLzE3MjYwNS8yMDI0MDUwODE2MTQ0Ni9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-08 03:19	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440441406_972135907468455_7989402345750768554_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=xVw7wnPY1moQ7kNvgGpWjJ1&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAN9-_2HgZ-hq42UcBoefE1Fu_fEt85czNFb4zxDd1xIA&oe=6641E9A3	person_profile	Pop001	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440739372_1438006590441968_7675432311616301845_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=CLqP5lOvh0UQ7kNvgFrf9mw&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBISj9f5cmJv7aOWGjqET9XY82O0c0BbDLBZRBcYL2QhA&oe=6641C615	3	Pop001	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,215	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778172}'	No	2024-05-08 18:35	active	760	946173253647806	🎬：《DO ME AGAIN! MY BILLIONAIRE HUSBAND》	🔥Why would you rather have sex with other women than with me? After all these years, are you disgusted with my body? Let’s get a divorce! ! !<br /> <br /> 👇Life is short - make every moment thrilling with EaShort. We deliver maximum entertainment in minimum time. Satisfy your drama cravings now with our ever-expanding bite-sized library!<br /> #EaShort #Drama #DramaCravingsSolved #RelationshipGoals	WATCH_MORE	https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1b562gev&p1={{campaig	190396754167998	Eashort IOS	https://facebook.com/61556887250165	191	1	380,288,344,331,992	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Watch more	Eashort IOS	120209827272120536	d.eavideo.net	NONE	video		https://d.eavideo.net/w2a?p0=1b562gev&p1={{campaign.name}}&p2={{campaign.id}}&p3={{adset.name}}&p4={{adset.id}}&p5={{ad.name}}&p6={{ad.id}}&p7=1716054102176369&deeplink=esvideo%3A%2F%2Fbook.easou.com%2Fta%2Fesvideo.m%3Fgid%3D300000318%26nid%3D300000318%26sort%3D0%26ch%3D182%26paytype%3Dwwppy7%26pi%3D3%26pa%3D99999	2024-05-07 22:11	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441232150_1155363762334302_1991936330109260101_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=M3lT7BKZXjoQ7kNvgEnlNJ2&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfC3b_sT-4m_1HEkEGOGDXPvJ_so8-n9rmCgsO9pxxq18A&oe=6641DD9E	person_profile	Eashort IOS	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441026930_1169795094194149_163072626175807505_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=TuJ3ELqrlpgQ7kNvgHUG3u8&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDNtMGTscGmwZ7ElPH19lSwglG2l0UWBprD35pYzlsD-A&oe=6641C832	3	Eashort IOS	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,297	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778146}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	1446337312668704	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	"God, you're so wet for me, Tinkerbell," he growls in my ear, and I shiver at the sound.<br /> "You like being drilled by a stranger in the middle of a club?"<br /> I can't deny it. The very idea both terrifies and arouses me. When I don't push him away, he smiles.<br /> ————————<br /> SUMMER<br /> Pressed against the wall of the nightclub, the good-looking stranger pecks me. Tipsy and disoriented, my heart races with a mix of uncertainty and desire. I never expected my night to take such a thrilling turn.<br /> Sweat clings to my skin as the crowded club pulsates around us on this hot summer night. Loud music drowns out any semblance of conversation while flashing lights create an electrifying atmosphere, amplifying the raw energy that courses through my veins.<br /> As we remain locked in our forbidden embrace, I'm acutely aware of how out of character this is for me. Yet, there's something so undeniably exciting about living on the edge, if only for a brief moment in time. The danger and uncertainty, combined with the allure of this mysterious stranger, have awakened a long-dormant fire.<br /> The stranger's hands greedily explore my body's curves, leaving fire trails on my flushed skin. His tall frame towers over me, dark hair framing intense blue eyes that seem to pierce my very soul. Tattoos snake their way up his muscular arms, and even though I can't hear him speak over the pounding bass, the memory of his Irish accent as he drew me into this darkened corner sends shivers down my spine.<br /> Our lips collide again, and every nerve in my body awakens with a mix of hesitation, excitement, and nervousness. The sensation is intoxicating – something I've never felt before. It's as if we're dancing on the edge of a precipice, teetering between wicked and desire, and I'm powerless to resist the pull.<br /> His fingers trace the contours of my hips, pressing into my flesh with a possessiveness that terrifies and thrills me. My breath hitches in my throat as he tugs at the hem of my dress, exposing more of my quivering skin to his ravenous touch. I should be afraid, but instead, I crave more of this deliciously wrong connection.<br /> As our pecks deepen, I find myself lost in the whirlwind of emotions swirling inside me. The seductive dance of our tongues mirrors the chaos in my mind, each stroke sending electric jolts through my veins.<br /> What am I doing?<br /> Is this really who I want to be?<br /> Even as these thoughts race through my head, my body betrays me, responding eagerly to his every touch. I feel my heart pounding, not just from the exertion but from the thrill of the unknown. This man, this enigma who has captured my attention and ensnared me in his web of desire, holds a power over me that I can't explain.<br /> "What's your name?" I pant, wanting to know more about this stranger who has awakened such primal urges, but the cacophony of the nightclub drowns out my voice. He only smirks in response, his eyes never leaving mine, bewitching me within their depths.<br /> I'm terrified.<br /> This dark, brooding stranger has unlocked a part of me that has long been hidden away, and as much as I know I should be afraid, all I can think about is how alive I finally feel as his fingers trail up my thigh, sending shivers down my spine. My breath catches in my throat, my heart racing with anticipation and uncertainty.<br /> "Wait," I whisper, suddenly feeling the weight of our actions through the drunken haze that has descended on me from too many glasses of cheap Chardonnay. "Your name..."<br /> Something wicked and alluring dances in his blue gaze. Without breaking eye contact, he pushes my panties aside. My body tenses at the unexpected intrusion. For a moment, I feel vulnerable, exposed, and scared, but then his fingers find their target, and my resistance melts away.<br /> "Ah!" The sensation is intense, a mix of pleasure and pain as he works his fingers inside me. I cling to him, my hands gripping his shoulders, my nails digging into his skin through the fabric of his tight black shirt. He holds me against the wall, one hand pinning me by the waist while the other sends waves of pleasure coursing through my body.<br /> I gasp, my head falling back against the wall as he picks up the pace, expertly teasing and tormenting me. My leg wraps around his waist instinctively, drawing him closer, my hips grinding against his hand in a desperate search for more of that intoxicating sensation.<br /> Raising an eyebrow in question, as if challenging me to admit just how much I crave his touch. I nod, unable to form words, and he rewards me with another delicious thrust of his fingers.<br /> Around us, the club-goers are lost in their own world of revelry, utterly oblivious to the scandalous exchange just inches from them. A tangled mass of sweaty bodies writhes on the dance floor, consumed by the pulsing beat of the music. Drinks clink, laughter rings out, and it's as if we exist in our own secret bubble, hidden from the judgmental eyes of the world.<br /> "God, you're so wet for me, Tinkerbell," he growls in my ear, and I shiver at the sound. His voice is dark and commanding, a dangerous edge that weakens my knees. "You like being drilled by a stranger in the middle of a club?"<br /> I can't deny it. The very idea both terrifies and arouses me. As much as I want to pull away, to escape this intoxicating dance of desire and danger, I find myself giving into the temptation completely.<br /> When I don't push him away, he smiles. It's sinister, and it touches a part of me that I know I should run from.<br /> But I don't.<br /> "Good girl," he purrs, sending a hot thrill down my spine. And with that, I surrender to the darkness, allowing him to take control, to push me further than I've ever dared to go before.<br /> When his body goes slack, he leans his forehead against mine, his hot breath mingling with my panting. We stay like that for a moment, him buried inside me, neither of us aware of the reality around us, time entirely lost to us.<br /> Knowing what I've just done crashes around me like a thunderstorm. I've just had unprotected with a stranger in a club in front of hundreds of people.<br /> He pulls back, that sinful smile on his face as he does up his fly.<br /> "Thanks, Tinks. I needed that."<br /> As abruptly as he entered my life, he now walks away, disappearing into the throng of club-goers without so much as a backward glance. The emptiness left in his wake engulfs me entirely, an inexplicable mixture of satisfaction and confusion swirling around inside. He had been everything I both feared and craved – and yet he vanished as quickly as a shadow in the night.<br /> My heart pounds erratically in my chest, caught between the exhilaration of what just transpired and the anguish of knowing it might never happen again. Why can't I shake this feeling? This insatiable longing for a man I don't even know?<br /> I mutter, shoving my dress down and looking around to see if anyone is looking at me.<br /> They aren't. Or if they are, they aren't doing so overtly.<br /> Wiggling my panties back into place, I feel the dampness pool, and I shudder.<br /> What have I done?<br /> Feeling nauseous with the booze and the knowledge of my actions, I lean against the cool wall, trying to catch my breath and make sense of the overwhelming mix of emotions coursing through me. The taste of him still lingers on my lips, a bittersweet reminder of what just transpired in this dim corner of the club.<br /> Tinkerbell, he'd called me, his Irish accent making the words sound like a deliciously wicked incantation. A shiver runs down my spine as I remember the way he'd looked at me, his intense blue eyes seeming to pierce through every layer of my defenses, laying my darkest desires.<br /> "Summer?" I hear my name being called faintly over the cacophony, snapping me out of my reverie. It's my friend. Her voice tinged with concern. I know she must be wondering where I've been, why I disappeared so suddenly – but how could I possibly explain the truth to her? How could I put into words the intensity of my encounter with the enigmatic stranger?<br /> "Summer, let's go home," Amelia says, finding me. "I'm way past drunk."<br /> "Same." I nod, eager to escape the oppressive atmosphere of the club. As we make our way through the throngs of people, I glance back one last time, my eyes scanning the crowd for any glimpse of him. But he's gone, vanished like a ghost into the night.<br /> "Are you okay?" Amelia asks, her worried gaze fixed on me.<br /> I force a smile, trying to mask the turmoil within.<br /> "Fine," I lie, my voice barely audible above the din. "I'm fine."<br /> But as we step out into the cool night air, I can't shake the feeling that something has changed forever – that I've crossed a line from which there's no turning back. Part of that is fueled by beverage, hunger for the dangerous taste of forbidden desire, now awakened and impossible to ignore.<br /> ---<br /> Waking up with a raging thirst, a banging head and stiff legs, I moan against the light pouring into my bedroom through a crack in the curtains.<br /> Celebrating my twenty-fifth birthday yesterday had been a mistake. I should've stayed home, knowing I had work today.<br /> Half an hour later, and not a moment too soon, I race into the store, brushing down my clothes.<br /> "Morning, Summer," my coworker Jess greets me. "Ready for another fun-filled day?"<br /> "Thrilled," I reply sarcastically, forcing a smile. We exchange pleasantries, but my mind is elsewhere, filled with shame and lingering thoughts of Irish. That's his name now. I can't keep thinking of him as a stranger. It's unappealing and makes me edgy.<br /> "Hey, are you okay?" Jess asks concern etched on her face. "You seem off."<br /> "Long night," I admit, not wanting to divulge the details of my one-night stand. "Just need more coffee, I guess."<br /> "Ah, the hangover cure-all," she jokes, attempting to lighten the mood. "Well, hang in there. You've got this."<br /> "Thanks, Jess," I say, grateful for her support.<br /> Foregoing more coffee on my delicate stomach, I get straight to work, needing the distraction. But as I fold clothes and help customers, Irish's face haunts me. His touch lingers on my skin like a phantom caress, stirring up a risky mix of desire and guilt.<br /> I force my attention back to work, determined not to let my personal turmoil affect my performance. Customers come and go, their questions and needs pulling me out of my head for brief moments. But each time the store quiets down, the ghost of Irish returns, taunting me with his memory.<br /> As the hours drag on, my feet ache from standing, my head pounds, and I'm hungry at the same time as nauseous. I wonder if my one reckless night with the enigmatic Irishman might somehow be a twisted blessing in disguise – a chance to break free from the shackles of my mundane existence and embrace the tantalizing allure of danger and desire.<br /> As I finish restocking the shelves and return to the sales floor, I can't shake the feeling that I'm teetering on the edge of something life-changing. Despite knowing I should forget about Irish and move on with my life, part of me wonders if our paths will cross again – and what dark secrets he's hiding beneath that charming exterior.<br /> The afternoon sun casts long shadows on the store floor, and I feel like they're closing in on me. My thoughts keep drifting back to Irish, no matter how hard I try to focus on my tasks.<br /> "Excuse me," a customer says, bringing me back to reality. "Can you help me find a shirt that matches this tie?"<br /> "Of course," I reply, forcing a cheerful smile. We make our way through the maze of clothing racks, my mind racing with questions. Does Irish feel the same way I do? Or has he already moved on to someone else? He seems the type, what with seducing me and then striding off.<br /> "Here you are," I say, handing the man a perfectly matched shirt. He thanks me for my assistance before walking away, leaving me to my turbulent thoughts again.<br /> A shiver runs down my spine as I imagine Irish's eyes locked onto mine, his accent teasing every part of me. The forbidden desire bubbling up refuses to be silenced, even though I know it's dangerous to entertain these fantasies.<br /> "Summer, can you take over at the register?" Jess asks, snapping me out of my reverie.<br /> "Sure, no problem," I respond, stepping behind the counter. As I ring up customers' purchases, my heart flutters with anxiety, wondering if Irish has any regrets about our night together. I can't shake the feeling that there must be something more to him - something darker lurking beneath the surface. He is attracted, but nice guys don't do what he did.<br /> Neither do nice girls.<br /> Cringing at the thoughts, I shake it off. I'm not a yummy yukker. 'You do you' has always been my motto, but it was out of character for me to do what I did last night, and it will probably take me a while to get over the guilt I feel.<br /> Smiling at the young woman, I ring up her goods and wait for her to pay. She thanks me and leaves, her heady perfume lingering in the air like a ghostly reminder of last night's passion.<br /> "Home time!" Gary calls out, crossing over to me with a smile. "Thank, am I right?"<br /> "Yeah." Giving him a shy smile, I lower my eyes. He's my work crush. He's tall with blonde hair and green eyes that crinkle at the corners when he smiles. I always fluster when he speaks to me, even though he is the friendliest guy going. "I'm exhausted."<br /> "Partied hard last night?" he asks with a twinkle in his eye. "Sorry I couldn't make it, but I had a thing."<br /> "It's okay, and yeah, a bit too much."<br /> My cheeks are hotter than the flames of infernoinferno as I stammer my way out of this conversation with a half-hearted wave, rushing past him to the break room to gather my belongings from my locker. Hoping he didn't hear anything about anything, I will be sure to avoid him for the foreseeable future, just in case.<br /> Stepping outside the store, the evening air is hot and sweaty on my skin as the humidity levels have not dropped.<br /> Glaring at the clear blue sky, I curse it. "Where is the supposed thunderstorm?" I mutter and head for the parking lot, only to be stopped short when I remember I don't have my car; I have the bus.<br /> All I want to do is hurry home, have a cool shower and then, in incognito mode, look up places I can go to get tested, preferably somewhere out of town so no one sees me.<br /> As I walk to the bus stop, surrounded by people finishing their city jobs and leaving the stores as they close, these thoughts of Irish continue to haunt me. I know I should forget about him and move on with my life, but something inside me clings to the hope that he might be the one I've been waiting for. The taste of danger, coupled with whiskey and smoke, lingers on my lips, making it impossible to let go completely.<br /> Wondering if our paths will cross again and what sinister truths are concealed in those irresistible eyes, all I can do is keep moving forward, one step at a time, until I hear a voice behind me that freezes my blood instantly.<br /> As I glance up, my heart skips a beat. There he is—Irish.	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1,778,335	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778356}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	1866845733744892	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	I turn and meet his gaze.<br /> It’s at that moment, as I stare into the blue eyes of one of the biggest rockstars in the world, I realize my life is going to change forever.<br /> I don’t know how, but instinct tells me, by the end of this wedding, Eric and Addie won’t be the only ones making love.<br /> Ace Flanagan, I wonder. Do you feel the same?<br /> --<br /> The bride and groom are onto me. Sure, I’m here to enjoy their wedding, but who says I can’t enjoy my time here as well? <br /> All I did was switch seats at the party to be next to Addie’s sister—what’s the big deal?<br /> Laney’s a grown woman who can take care of herself. Laney Michaels. Just the sound of her name gets my mouth watering.<br /> She’s exactly my type. Artsy, intelligent, and hot . The fact she’s a little shy only makes me more intrigued.<br /> I know I promised Addie I wouldn’t pursue her sister, but so far, I’m not breaking any promises.<br /> Just being friendly.<br /> And if Laney decides she’d like to pursue me…well, that’s a whole ’nother story.<br /> ————————<br /> <br /> "Addie, help!There’s blood everywhere"<br /> "what are you talking about?"<br /> "What if it’s the baby?It’s too early!!I’m freaking out!"<br /> "your gonna be ok, sis!“<br /> ”i’m calling an ambulance rn.“<br /> ”call ace.he needs to know.“<br /> ”NO! Anyone but Ace!"<br /> "laney.he’s the father."<br /> "I thinaasdk im’ gokjn to faintt"<br /> "laney!"<br /> "laney?!?!"<br /> "laney!!!! answer me!!!!"<br /> I’ve been preparing for this moment for the past six months. But it wasn’t supposed to happen like this.<br /> Instead of my water breaking, I’m lying in a pool of my own blood on a creaky staircase.<br /> Instead of nine months, it’s only been seven and a half.<br /> Instead of having the father by my side, I’m completely and totally alone.<br /> I’m terrified. Black dots obscure my vision. I don’t know if it’s the blood or something else, but I can feel my consciousness slipping.<br /> I can’t believe it’s come to this. What if my baby doesn’t make it? What if our baby doesn’t make it?<br /> I think of Ace, I think of how we met, I think of how we sleep and, in turn, made this inevitable future unfold. And I think, as my eyes roll back…<br /> Would Ace care if we lost it all?<br /> What is one baby to the biggest rockstar in the world?<br /> Where are you, Ace Flanagan, father of my child?<br /> Where are you?<br /> --<br /> ^SEVEN MONTHS EARLIER^<br /> So, this is how a rockstar marries a supermodel.<br /> I’m hiking up a small trail, following fifty guests to a private reception in the California mountains. Even in October, the weather is sweltering. Way too hot for a Chicago girl like me.<br /> I worry I’m going to sweat right through this bridesmaid’s dress. But for Addie? For my twin sister? I’ll do anything.<br /> When we finally reach the clearing, my mouth drops in awe. Shimmering lights hang from the towering redwoods all around us, illuminating the tree line with a pink glow. An altar decorated with hundreds of flowers waits at the end of an ivory-blanketed aisle.<br /> If ever there was a fairy tale wedding, this must be it.<br /> When Addie told me the wedding was going to be private, I didn’t realize she meant this private. The cost of being famous, I suppose.<br /> I see Melody, Addie’s personal assistant, best friend, and maid of honor.<br /> “Melody, everything looks amazing!”<br /> “Thanks, Laney,” she says, grinning nervously. “I just hope Addie is satisfied. It really should be you giving the toast, not me.”<br /> I shrug, bashful. The truth is, I’m beyond grateful Melody is taking that responsibility. I’ve always suffered from stage fright. Shied away from the spotlight. That kind of attention?<br /> It’s just not for me.<br /> Which is funny, considering my sister’s face is plastered across magazines, internet gossip blogs, and entertainment news 24/7. She was famous before she got engaged to Eric Flanagan, lead singer of Vagabond, America’s biggest rock band. But now?<br /> The two of them can’t go anywhere without someone snapping their photo.<br /> That’s why they’re having their wedding here, in the middle of the forest, with only fifty guests. Still, even this kind of celebrity wedding, with movie stars and singers and influencers left and right, is a lot for an introverted artist like me.<br /> As I sit down in the front aisle, I find myself dreaming of my Chicago studio and the paintings I’m dying to finish. Which is when I hear his Brooklyn-accented voice for the first time beside me.<br /> “Mind if I sit here?”<br /> I turn to see a dark-haired, muscular, drop-dead gorgeous specimen of a man with a slightly reddish beard and eyes so deep and blue, you could swim in them.<br /> Somehow, his voice and face strike me as familiar. But how? I’m not sure.<br /> “Go ahead,” I say, realizing I’m staring.<br /> He sits down beside me in his fitted black suit, and I can’t help but admire his figure. Tall, fit, the kind of man who gets whatever he wants, I can just tell.<br /> “Do you know the bride or groom?” he asks.<br /> I look into his eyes and see how they wander over me, from my short, black lace dress to my legs to my pink suede ankle boots.<br /> “Well,” I say, “Addie and I are very close.”<br /> “How close?”<br /> “So close we actually shared a womb… We’re twins.”<br /> He looks surprised, so I elaborate a little bit. “Fraternal.”<br /> A lot of people give us that look when Addie and I say we’re twins. With her brown hair, green eyes, and tall supermodel body, and my strawberry blonde hair, grey eyes, and curvy hourglass body, we couldn’t look more different.<br /> Now, I find myself curious about this handsome stranger beside me. How does he know the bride or groom?<br /> “You must be a friend of Eric’s?” I ask.<br /> “You’re joking, right?” he responds, taken aback.<br /> “I’m sorry?”<br /> “I’m in Vagabond with Eric,” he explains, grinning. “I play lead guitar and sing backup mostly, occasionally lead vocals.”<br /> That’s how I recognized him. ~Of course~. I’ve been so behind the times, barely watching TV, listening to the radio, or using my iPhone for anything but making calls and taking photos, I didn’t notice.<br /> I blush, embarrassed. “I’m sorry. You must think I’m a complete idiot.”<br /> “Not at all,” he says. “It’s refreshing. To actually meet someone.”<br /> “So, you’re…”<br /> “Ace Flanagan, Eric’s cousin.”<br /> We shake hands, and at the feel of his calloused fingertips, I can tell how dedicated he is to his craft. I wonder what else he can do with those hands.<br /> “And your name is…?”<br /> “Oh, I’m Laney,” I say, suddenly feeling self-conscious. “Laney Michaels.”<br /> “Laney Michaels,” he says, testing it on his tongue. “Has a nice ring to it.”<br /> He’s flirting. That much is obvious. But, for some reason I can’t fathom, I don’t mind. I know I should tread carefully. Rockstars have their reputations for a reason. And yet…<br /> “So, you know what I do,” he says. “What do you do, Laney?”<br /> “I’m an artist.”<br /> “Anything I’d know?”<br /> I shake my head. “Probably not. I do a lot of murals for schools and other buildings around the area where I live.”<br /> Something about this answer seems to light up his eyes. It’s hard to stare into them for too long. Like staring into the sun.<br /> I look away just as a bell is rung, and we turn to see Eric, the groom, walking down the aisle.<br /> “Here we go,” Ace says.<br /> I let out a deep breath, grateful the wedding has interrupted our conversation. As much as I’m enjoying talking to Ace, something about the way he carries himself, his fame—it intimidates me.<br /> And I’m not here to be intimidated. I’m here for my sister. I’m here to be her only family on the day she’s about to marry the love of her life and start a whole new kind of family.<br /> As Eric walks down the aisle, he looks every bit the rockstar, even in a tux. His blonde hair, slicked back, his brown eyes sparkling with mischief. He winks at me as he walks by, and I wonder how it is I’ve never met his cousin, Ace, before now.<br /> Then, I see my sister walking down the aisle and my heart feels like it’s going to burst I’m so happy for her. In her white designer dress, a mix of retro and chic, Addie’s never looked so beautiful. The smile on her face is one of pure joy.<br /> Holding her arm, walking her down the aisle, is Michael, our social worker from when we were kids. That difficult childhood, full of foster homes after our mother left us outside the firehouse with nothing but a note, feels so far away now.<br /> Were it not for Michael and his kindness, who knows if we would’ve ended up here?<br /> At last, as Addie takes Eric’s hand, the ceremony begins.<br /> It feels like it goes by in a flash. Before I know what’s happening, she’s leaning in to peck Eric, they’re husband and wife, and it’s over, just like that.<br /> I can’t believe it.<br /> “ those two are beautiful,” I hear that Brooklyn accent mutter to my left.<br /> I turn to look at Ace Flanagan. To my surprise, the man has tears in his eyes. A rockstar, crying at a wedding? I never thought I’d see the day.<br /> I hand him a tissue from my purse, and he laughs, shaking his head.<br /> “I must look ridiculous.”<br /> “Far from it,” I say. “Like you said. It’s refreshing.”<br /> “To see a grown man crying?”<br /> “To see someone not afraid to show emotion in public.”<br /> “That’s what I do for a living, Laney,” he says. “That’s what we both do. We’re artists.”<br /> “I suppose that’s true.”<br /> I turn back to look at Eric and Addie holding onto each other, grinning like there’s no one in the world but them. He spins her around, and I feel my heart flutter.<br /> I wonder if there’ll ever be a man who looks at me the way Eric looks at Addie.<br /> Which is when I realize Ace Flanagan is still staring at me.<br /> I turn and meet his gaze. It’s at that moment, as I stare into the blue eyes of one of the biggest rockstars in the world, I realize my life is going to change forever.<br /> I don’t know how, but instinct tells me, by the end of this wedding, Eric and Addie won’t be the only ones making love.<br /> Ace Flanagan, I wonder. Do you feel the same?<br /> --<br /> ACE<br /> The bride and groom are onto me. Sure, I’m here to enjoy their wedding, but who says I can’t enjoy my time here as well? All I did was switch seats at the party to be next to Addie’s sister—what’s the big deal?<br /> Laney’s a grown woman who can take care of herself. Laney Michaels. Just the sound of her name gets my mouth watering.<br /> She’s exactly my type. Artsy, intelligent, and charming as all. The fact she’s a little shy only makes me more intrigued.<br /> I know I promised Addie I wouldn’t pursue her sister, but so far, I’m not breaking any promises.<br /> Just being friendly.<br /> And if Laney decides she’d like to pursue me…well, that’s a whole ’nother story.<br /> She sits back down with a stiff drink—bourbon, by the looks of it—and I raise an eyebrow, impressed. “Good taste,” I say, nodding.<br /> She shrugs. “I hate sweet drinks.”<br /> “That makes two of us.”<br /> I raise a glass—straight gin in mine—and we toast, both taking a sip, eyes lingering on each other.<br /> “So, what does a rockstar think of a boring party like this?” she asks.<br /> I look around. The band’s playing Sinatra. People are swaying on the dancefloor. It’s typical wedding stuff and, Laney’s right, not my kind of thing. But I don’t mind it right now.<br /> “Can’t always be partying hard,” I say. “People think that’s all we do on the road. But it’s a lot of physical, grueling work.”<br /> “Yeah, you got it so bad,” she teases, and I find myself laughing.<br /> “What about you, Laney?”<br /> “Oh, I don’t go out much at all. I prefer to be painting.”<br /> “So, how do you find time to date?”<br /> She blushes, taking another sip. And I know I’m pushing it regarding my promise to Addie. So I hit the brakes.<br /> “My bad,” I say, shaking my head. “Sometimes, I can’t help myself.”<br /> “From flirting?”<br /> I stop, eyeing Laney up and down. This is forward, especially for an introvert like her. She seems just as surprised by her own nerve.<br /> “Is that what I’m doing?” I ask.<br /> “I wouldn’t know,” she admits. “But I wouldn’t…take offense…if you were.”<br /> That’s about as bold an invitation as I’m gonna get when it comes to this girl. I scoot a little bit closer toward her, feeling her body stiffen in response.<br /> “So, if you don’t take offense,” I respond quietly, “why not answer my question? How do you find time to date?”<br /> “I don’t,” she says. “Not often.”<br /> “Because you don’t want—”<br /> “No,” she cuts me off. “Because I haven’t found the right person.”<br /> And now, from the way her eyes meet mine, I understand what she’s saying. Just because she’s shy doesn’t make her prude. And those eyes are screaming to be taken.<br /> “What about you?” she asks. “Many girlfriends?”<br /> Again, I am surprised by how little Laney knows about me. No, I don’t have girlfriends. I have “friends” who happen to be women and who I happen to please occasionally. And vice versa.<br /> You would think Laney would know that. The media’s always circulating photos of every new side-piece on my arm. Especially now that Vagabond is selling out stadiums around the world.<br /> A girl this oblivious is rare to come by. In fact, she may just be one-of-a-kind.<br /> “I don’t have a girlfriend at the moment,” I reply, watching her carefully.<br /> Laney bites her lip, and, I can feel myself hardening just at the implication of that bite. Oh my lord, am I in trouble.<br /> “Do you want to maybe…?” I start, and I don’t need to finish, because Laney’s grabbing my hand and we’re hurrying out of the party as fast as we can.<br /> Don’t hate me, Addie, I think. But how can I help myself?<br /> laney<br /> where are you<br /> you better not be where i think you are<br /> LANEY<br /> I had a feeling this was going to happen. From the first second I laid eyes on Ace Flanagan, I knew…he wasn’t just another guy.<br /> Now, as he pushes me against the hotel door, blue eyes looking wild, I can see what makes him a rockstar, all right. The man is absolutely magnetic.<br /> And, does he know how to keep a girl in suspense. He keeps teasing me with his lips, pecking me anywhere but my mouth. I finally grab him by the neck.<br /> “peck me already,” I demand.<br /> And thankfully, this time, Ace does.<br /> ACE<br /> Nothing in the world has ever felt as good as Laney’s lips on mine. As I peck her softly, I look into those gray, endless eyes, knowing I could write a million songs about ’em, and they still wouldn’t do her justice.<br /> While I peck her, I fumble with the hotel key, sliding it in, unlocking the door, and pushing both our bodies inside. She presses me against the wall, a more proactive partner than I could have possibly imagined from her shy girl act.<br /> And now, she’s pecking me fiercely, gripping my arms, moaning softly as she presses against me, rubbing and fondling everywhere a man wants to be touched.<br /> Laney yelps in surprise as I pick her up and throw her on my king-size bed.<br /> LANEY<br /> As I land on the bed, every thought in my mind disappears, and all there is this moment, here and now.<br /> I need him.<br /> I want him.<br /> Now.<br /> “Take off your shirt,” I tell him.<br /> Ace, aiming to please, unbuttons his dress shirt. Slowly. Too slowly. I sit up to help him, racing to finish with the buttons, unbuckling his belt next. I am restless for him, and he can sense it.<br /> “Your turn,” he says, in a low, raspy breath. “Take that dress off before I rip it off.”<br /> I like that tone of voice and smile slyly. I sit up on my knees and slowly, sexily, pull up my black dress. He helps me remove it completely.<br /> ACE<br /> This can’t just be another one-night stand, can it?<br /> As I finally roll off of Laney, both of us breathing profusely, laughing, still in complete and total ecstasy, I realize only now, too late, I didn’t wear protection.<br /> Not that I’m worried. Laney doesn’t strike me as the kind of girl I’d have to worry about. And I’m assuming, she would’ve told me if she’s not on the pill or something, right?<br /> Whatever. Right now, none of that matters. All that matters is, Laney Michaels just gave this rockstar the best intercourse of his entire life. I cannot wait to see her beside me in the morning.<br /> We may even have time for a round two.<br /> With that happy thought on my mind, I feel my eyelids lowering…slipping…fading into the most peaceful sleep imaginable.<br /> When I wake up in the morning, Laney’s gone.<br /> <br /> ACE<br /> I’m not a big fan of surprises. When someone has something to say to me, I prefer they just spit it out. But ever since Eric called me and told me to fly out to Chicago, I can just tell something is up.<br /> The question is: what?<br /> Eric claims he needs me to record some vocals for our new album. But then, why is Addie so involved in my visit? She’s been arranging everything from what I can tell.<br /> I step out of the airport, and Eric is waiting for me in the car. I realize I underpacked the minute I step outside. Autumn in LA is a joke compared to Chicago.<br /> How could I forget? The truth is, after that insane night I spent with Laney, my day-to-day life has felt a little…off. I can’t explain it exactly.<br /> I know it was just a one-night stand. I’m not delusional. But the way our bodies connected, the way her lips felt against mine, her heat…<br /> It’s enough to make a man hard in public.<br /> I shake off the thought and get into Eric’s car. It’s not like I’m going to be seeing Laney anyway.<br /> She made it abundantly clear when she left in the morning that she never wants to see me again. Right?<br /> “Hey, man!” I say, reaching out to hug my cousin. But I immediately stop when I see the expression on Eric’s face. He looks…nervous.<br /> “What’s up?”<br /> “Nothing.”<br /> We talk a little bit about the band on the way to Eric’s, but I can still sense he’s distracted. Whatever the secret is, it’s starting to eat at me.<br /> Goddamnit, will somebody just talk?<br /> We finally pull up to an old brown building in a busy neighborhood. Definitely not Eric and Addie’s home.<br /> “Did you guys move?”<br /> “No,” he says, parking. “It’ll all make sense when we get upstairs.”<br /> I shake my head, growing more frustrated and confused with every second. But I follow Eric out of the car, into the building, and up the elevator to the sixth floor.<br /> As we step into a loft, I notice there are canvases and paint everywhere. An art studio. Huh.<br /> And the art, I notice, is good. Definitely not created by an amateur. I notice one attempt, over and over, in different ways. Two colors clashing, almost like two personalities.<br /> It stirs something in me for reasons I can’t explain.<br /> “Eric,” I turn to him. “Who painted these?”<br /> We round a corner and that’s when I see her. A strawberry blonde in overalls, throwing paint at the canvas, wearing headphones, lost in her own world. Unaware I’m even here.<br /> It’s Laney Michaels. This is her studio.<br /> I feel my stomach twist into a shocked knot.<br /> “What am I doing here?” I ask Eric. That’s when the front door opens and Laney’s twin, Eric’s wife, and my worst enemy right now, apparently, storms inside, furious.<br /> “I asked one thing of you, Ace,” she shouts. “I told you not to sleep with my sister!”<br /> Addie pushes me, and I barely move. Was it really such a big deal? And I’m even more surprised Laney would say something. I thought we had a mutual agreement to keep it a secret.<br /> “You’re such a prick!” Addie screams.<br /> “Jesus, I mean, it was just sleep.”<br /> “Just?” she cries, shaking her head disbelievingly. “You have no idea, do you?”<br /> “Addie, stop it!”<br /> We both turn to see Laney standing there, headphones cast aside, looking mortified. There’s a trail of blue paint on her cheek.<br /> “Do you mind?” Laney asks her sister.<br /> Addie shoots me one last glare, then storms out with Eric, offering a grim shrug.<br /> When we’re alone, I turn to Laney, surprised.<br /> “I’m really sorry if I did something wrong,” I say. “I really thought we had a nice—”<br /> “Ace,” she cuts me off. “It’s not that.”<br /> I frown. “What are you talking about?”<br /> Then, eyes watering, one lonely teardrop trailing down her cheek through the blue paint, Laney says the last words in the world I expect to hear.<br /> “I’m pregnant, Ace. And the baby is yours.”	LEARN_MORE	https://a.read4funs.com/ad/ZmFuY3lOb3ZlbC8xNzE2Mjc	136560499545717	ForFun-105	https://facebook.com/61552095643555	38	1	745,661,994,437,820	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	ForFun-105	120208292070290019	a.read4funs.com	NONE	video		https://a.read4funs.com/ad/ZmFuY3lOb3ZlbC8xNzE2MjcvMjAyNDA1MDgwOTI3MzYvcGFnZQ==?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 20:41	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441401295_332548513183181_7036210122529777370_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GdQ_GkwB0nQQ7kNvgG_0c69&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfANvFO3ut_HXca4vNwmKEWxub2coNtG81g6ntnTz7Vu3g&oe=6641D6DF	person_profile	ForFun-105	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441323095_395910646765047_4429934722653466001_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=GHBdlOCQc78Q7kNvgFLKQX-&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDetAZs22imlvTvqcM2-4gXbmcNf3MU7ZfE6g-sJskbSw&oe=6641EF8C	3	ForFun-105	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,334	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778298}'	No	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	1860639861108233	Click to Read More Chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> After winning yet another lawsuit, Jasmine Black was having a drink with her colleagues at the bar.<br /> <br /> She was hammered when she noticed her rival, Diego Cooper, sitting at the opposite table.<br /> <br /> Diego was a prominent lawyer worldwide. He was regarded as the industry's formidable devil. He had never once lost a case.<br /> <br /> He's also the bastard that Jasmine had pursued from high school until she graduated from university.<br /> <br /> She had pursued him for seven long years, yet he remained indifferent and heartless toward her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine abruptly sprang up from her seat and staggered toward Diego. With one flop, she sat straight on his lap.<br /> <br /> She grabbed his necktie with one hand while resting the other against his toned abs. <br /> <br /> "Diego Cooper… Have you become bad in bed?"<br /> <br /> Diego didn't stop her as he reclined against the back of the couch. Instead, he stared at her wordlessly.<br /> <br /> "You're not answering… So, does that mean… it's true?"<br /> <br /> Something flickered in his eyes as he quickly removed her hand. <br /> <br /> "Don't you care about your reputation anymore? All your colleagues are here." <br /> <br /> His deep voice was slightly hoarse.<br /> <br /> Their colleagues gaped at them in disbelief, impressed by Jasmine's bravery.<br /> <br /> "What reputation? I had mine ruined a long time ago because of you!" a drunk Jasmine grumbled before biting his neck.<br /> <br /> All her high school and university classmates knew she spent a lot of money to win Diego's heart, only to fail miserably in the end.<br /> <br /> After graduating from university, she was crestfallen and went abroad. She swore she would one day beat Diego in something he was best at.<br /> <br /> When she returned to the country six months ago, she was already a famous lawyer with a winning streak dating back to the beginning of her career.<br /> <br /> She was beginning to drawl.<br /> <br /> While wearing a frown, Diego pulled the back of her collar to create distance between them. <br /> <br /> His eyes were dark and indecipherable. <br /> <br /> "You've drank too much, Jasmine. Have someone take you home."<br /> <br /> "No! I want you to take me home!" <br /> <br /> She yanked his necktie. Her imperative tone sounded slightly coquettish.<br /> <br /> He removed her hands from his tie so he could loosen it. Then, he grabbed her by the arm before walking outside without saying a word.<br /> <br /> Their colleagues' eyes widened.<br /> <br /> Everyone in the legal and political world knew Jasmine and Diego were on bad terms. <br /> <br /> They tried to figure out the scene they had just witnessed.<br /> <br /> When they reached the car, Jasmine wrapped her arms around Diego's neck and planted a kiss on his neck, sending a slight tremor down his spine.<br /> <br /> He held her by the waist and shoved her away. <br /> <br /> "This is sexual harassment, Jasmine Black. Do you think I won't sue you for this?" <br /> <br /> His tone rose.<br /> <br /> "If you're really bad in bed, then forget it. I'll just find someone by the street to release my sexual frustration."<br /> <br /> She then ignored him and waved at a passing man. <br /> <br /> "Hey, hot guy! Wanna get a room together?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine seemed serious about the invitation.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression darkened as he watched her antics. He pressed her waving hand down and opened the car door to shove her in.<br /> <br /> Then, he drove the car back home.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jasmine woke up and turned her head stiffly. <br /> <br /> Diego was sitting next to her, smoking. He appeared laid-back.<br /> <br /> Despite his charming looks, he had a dominating and intimidating presence about him.<br /> <br /> The grogginess that clouded her mind disappeared in a heartbeat.<br /> <br /> Did she finally manage to have sex with him after almost seven years?<br /> <br /> "Morning, Mr. Cooper," she said.<br /> <br /> Jasmine propped herself up, returning to her professional composure as a lawyer.<br /> <br /> "Wash up. Someone will serve breakfast in a while." <br /> <br /> Diego discarded his cigarette into the ashtray. <br /> <br /> "I'll forgo it. I have a client to meet in the morning." <br /> <br /> Aloofness seeped into her voice.<br /> <br /> She lifted the sheets and was about to get out of bed when an idea crossed her mind. <br /> <br /> She suddenly grabbed her phone from the headboard, smiling mischievously. <br /> <br /> "How about a picture for memory's sake?"<br /> <br /> Before Diego could say anything, Jasmine quickly launched the camera app on her phone and lay her head against his sturdy chest.<br /> <br /> She flashed a triumphant smile, raised the phone high, and took a selfie of her and Diego.<br /> <br /> The picture was rather suggestive as they were naked and were only covered with a blanket. <br /> <br /> She sent it to her best friend alongside a voice message. <br /> <br /> "Becky Dobbs, tell those people to wire the money to me. I won the bet. Oh, and the payment should include ten years of interest."<br /> <br /> Since she had lost her reputation, she thought she should make some money to make up for it.<br /> <br /> The shrewd Diego caught the point of the message. <br /> <br /> He asked with a smirk, "The bet was about me?"<br /> <br /> Turning around, she plastered herself to his chest while drawing circles on his abs with her finger. She couldn't resist it.<br /> <br /> Jasmine looked at Diego with beady eyes. <br /> <br /> "Why are you so surprised? I thought you've known all this while. Oh, and about what happened last night, it was consensual. It was simply an adult game. You don't have to take any responsibility."<br /> <br /> She felt the years she spent pursuing him were a loop of disappointment and heartbreaks. Continuing to be his devoted admirer would be a foolish decision.<br /> <br /> Sleeping and then dumping Diego had always been on her wishlist.<br /> <br /> "You're wild, Ms. Black." <br /> <br /> Chuckling, he glanced at her and pushed her away.<br /> <br /> Due to his handsome looks, a mere glance from him was enough to paralyze her with a tingling sensation.<br /> <br /> Jasmine thought Diego was a bastard who was good at seducing.<br /> <br /> His push caused her to fall backward, but she managed to support herself with both palms on the bed.<br /> <br /> Her tress cascaded over her shoulders, revealing her exposed body and seductive curves. <br /> <br /> Jasmine had a stunning body.<br /> <br /> Diego's eyes studied her up and down. The fact that his heart skipped a beat made him frown.<br /> <br /> "Did you sleep with me because you might like me?" <br /> <br /> She casually brushed her slightly curled hair. Picking up her shirt and bra, she began to take her time to dress herself.<br /> <br /> "Do you think that's even possible?" <br /> <br /> He cast a cold glance at her.<br /> <br /> Diego's answer didn't surprise her one bit. Regardless, it didn't bother her because she was determined to be the one who dumped him this time.<br /> <br /> Right then, her phone began ringing from the flood of incoming messages. Jasmine checked her phone. They were from Becky. <br /> <br /> "Did you really sleep with Mr. Cooper? How? This is too sudden. You failed to take him down in those ten years, though." <br /> <br /> Becky was more excited than Jasmine was.<br /> <br /> Smiling, Jasmine quickly replied, "I'll feed you the details later."<br /> <br /> Diego's phone kept ringing as well. He grabbed it and opened his WhatsApp. <br /> <br /> His high school and university group chats exploded with texts. <br /> <br /> Everyone was mind-blown by the news. <br /> <br /> "Jasmine Black had sex with Diego Cooper?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine's body stiffened when she saw the message in the group chat. She didn't expect it to have such a huge impact.<br /> <br /> Fortunately, she was close with the people in the group chats. There were only about 30 people in each group, which wasn't many.<br /> <br /> She replied to the message, "It was just a one-night stand. Those who had made a bet with me—you know who you are—wire the money to me."<br /> <br /> Her response elicited a faint smile from Diego, but his eyes reflected coldness as he watched her.<br /> <br /> She glimpsed at him—that alone was enough to cause a chill to run down her spine.<br /> <br /> "I bet you can't sleep with him for a second time. I'm betting double the amount on this." <br /> <br /> Their university friends copied and pasted the exact message.<br /> <br /> The situation was crazy.<br /> <br /> "Not only can I sleep with him twice, but thrice. Players, be prepared with your money!" she texted back with gusto.<br /> <br /> Backing off? Not a chance! She'd never do that to embarrass herself.<br /> <br /> The smile on Diego's face widened, but he looked like he was going to devour her alive.<br /> <br /> His best friend, Jesse Taylor, sent a text message. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper sent a lawyer to prison a few days ago. Mark my words—it was a 20-year sentence! Good luck, Ms. Black."<br /> <br /> Jasmine read that message and looked at Diego, who began smoking on the bed again. She couldn't read his emotions because the cloud of smoke covered his features.<br /> <br /> Arching her brow, she replied to Jesse, "Oh really? I'm looking forward to the day when I meet Mr. Cooper in court."<br /> <br /> She then shifted her attention away from the chat, smiling and waving at Diego. <br /> <br /> "I should get going, Mr. Cooper. Thanks for the hard work last night. Get some rest."<br /> <br /> Despite his faint smile, Diego suddenly pinched the cigarette between his fingers.<br /> Chapter 2<br /> In the afternoon, Jasmine noticed Diego as soon as she entered the cafe.<br /> <br /> The surprise was brief as she immediately wore a professional smile. <br /> <br /> "What are the odds, Mr. Cooper?"<br /> <br /> "Zero. I'm simply granting your wish." <br /> <br /> Smiling, he placed his cup of coffee on the table before reclining on the couch with his legs crossed. <br /> <br /> "Wow… Thank you for your service?" <br /> <br /> She gladly took a seat opposite him.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's client was a university friend who was also in the group chat they shared. <br /> <br /> The case was about a prestigious family in the city that went bankrupt due to internal conflicts.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression remained the same. He didn't respond to her remarks either.<br /> <br /> "Be a man, Fabian Dawson. We divorced three years ago, and you want half of my money?" Daisy Freeman, dressed in a sexy red dress, growled at Fabian.<br /> <br /> "You've only managed to come this far because of the huge sum of money I spent on you. Don't you even feel guilty about it?" he questioned.<br /> <br /> Fabian needed the money to rise again.<br /> <br /> "Why must I—"<br /> <br /> Before Daisy could finish her thought, Jasmine crossed her legs and interrupted, "If you guys think a fight can get you somewhere, what's the use of hiring a lawyer?"<br /> <br /> The dispute stopped. <br /> <br /> Jasmine looked at Diego indifferently. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, as you know, although it was signed, the divorce agreement won't be effective as long as the divorce procedures have not proceeded. The law states that a divorced couple should split matrimonial assets in half. The same goes for the debts."<br /> <br /> Diego asked, "Mr. Dawson, is it true that you had an affair while still married and had sex with your mistress many times?"<br /> <br /> Fabian smirked and shook his leg, completely unbothered. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Jasmine turned to look at Fabian in surprise. He hadn't told her any of that.<br /> <br /> Fabian blurted, "Fuck! What kind of man—"<br /> <br /> Jasmine gave him a look and averted the question.<br /> <br /> "Evidence, Mr. Cooper?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine had clearly informed Fabian before this that the conversation would be recorded whenever the lawyers met. <br /> <br /> She wondered if he was out of his mind as he almost let this tongue slip.<br /> <br /> Daisy huffed, "I witnessed him get a room with a model."<br /> <br /> "Ms. Freeman, did Mr. Cooper not explain what evidence is?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine smiled, relieved at the thought that the other party didn't have proof.<br /> <br /> Fabian snorted. <br /> <br /> "I have a mistress? You're talking as though you don't have a boy toy. I also wonder how many businessmen you have slept with all these years."<br /> <br /> "It was after we signed the divorce agreement that I—" <br /> <br /> Diego glimpsed at the foolish Daisy before interrupting her, "Please show the evidence before you speak."<br /> <br /> As mentioned at the beginning of the conversation, the divorce agreement was null and void. How could Daisy admit that she had a boy toy? <br /> <br /> Was she trying to divorce without getting a single penny out of it? Diego thought Daisy was an idiot.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's judging eyes landed on Fabian, who knew that his wife had someone on the side but didn't gather any evidence about it.<br /> <br /> She massaged her forehead, fully aware of the road ahead.<br /> <br /> Diego questioned, "Mr. Dawson, you and my client have been living separately for three years. You didn't fulfill your duty as a husband. What have you been doing all these years?"<br /> <br /> "I—"<br /> <br /> Jasmine shrewdly replied, "He has been working hard to give Ms. Freeman a better life. However, his legal wife withholds the matrimonial assets. He doesn't have any money while going through a rough patch. Ultimately, his business announced its bankruptcy. If this case is brought to court, don't think of taking a single penny, Mr. Cooper."<br /> <br /> Diego retorted, "Is this a threat, Ms. Black? His bankruptcy has nothing to do with my client. You can look into it." <br /> <br /> He looked at Daisy, who also didn't share the information with him.<br /> <br /> This was the first time he was going against Jasmine at work, and it was a surprising case at that.<br /> <br /> "Speaking of, you can also look into this, Mr. Cooper. My client bought his wife multiple houses and luxury cars worth millions of dollars altogether. Ms. Freeman didn't fork up a single penny before and after his business went bankrupt.<br /> <br /> "Controlling the matrimonial assets, refusing to pay off shared debts, and having a male companion… Mr. Cooper, you and your client should seriously consider splitting the assets equally or taking this matter to court." <br /> <br /> Jasmine slightly leaned forward, smiling at Diego.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> "Before the divorce is settled, keep those women at arm's length. Don't give Diego or your wife any other ammunition. Also, eliminate any records, pictures, messages of hotel room bookings, and whatnot," Jasmine reminded Fabian while driving the car.<br /> <br /> "Got it." <br /> <br /> Fabian was deeply impressed by her. <br /> <br /> The thought of meeting Daisy to obtain funds was humiliating to him, but the way Jasmine bombarded the opposing party gave him confidence. <br /> <br /> He was all puffed up.<br /> <br /> "Is your wife living with her boy toy?" Jasmine inquired.<br /> <br /> "Yeah, it's been three years." <br /> <br /> He crossed his arms, snorting.<br /> <br /> "That's good news for us." <br /> <br /> She smirked as she suddenly pulled over by the road. <br /> <br /> "Get back home and install a surveillance camera at her place. Tell her that it's to… prevent burglary."<br /> <br /> "I don't think she'll let me in." <br /> <br /> The couple had been living separately for three years. Daisy had bought that mansion herself.<br /> <br /> "Idiot! You're still her husband on paper. Is it wrong to return to your home? Plus, she should currently be with Diego."<br /> <br /> "Alright, I'll go now." <br /> <br /> Fabian thought, "Don't blame me for this, Daisy. I've treated you so well and spent so much money on you. How could you be this cruel to me!"<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> That night, Jasmine received a call from Fabian after she finished showering. <br /> <br /> "Diego is going to sue me for bribing him!" <br /> <br /> His words came out in a rush.<br /> <br /> Jasmine rolled her eyes. <br /> <br /> "Well, did you do that?"<br /> <br /> "He called me at night and told me he found that model. I was so scared. I met him, hoping he would cut me some slack for old times' sake. I even gave him a check of one million dollars—"<br /> <br /> "You idiot! That's a trap! He could bring a woman over and accuse you of having slept with her before, but no one would buy it as long as he doesn't have evidence. <br /> <br /> "Oh Lord, someone like you will surely lose everything before you take the divorce case to the courthouse. An idiotic teammate is definitely more harmful than a powerful opponent." <br /> <br /> Jasmine crossed her arms and shook her head.<br /> <br /> "Yes, yes, yes, I'm an idiot. You gotta save me, Jasmine! That jerk, Diego, doesn't even care that we were once friends. Gosh, I'm livid!"<br /> <br /> "You can be sentenced up to 15 years for bribing a lawyer. It's almost impossible to be announced not guilty of this charge. How am I supposed to help you?"<br /> <br /> "W-Well, I don't mind going to prison. But the main thing is, your first loss will be because of Diego! Not only is your reputation at stake, but other lawyers and your friends will never let you live it down!" <br /> <br /> Fabian attempted to earn her pity.<br /> <br /> Jasmine paced back and forth in her room while reminding him seriously, "I repeat, do not meet your wife's lawyer without my presence. Think before you speak whenever you talk to her. Don't fall for her schemes. Got it?"<br /> <br /> "I'll keep that in mind. But how are you going to—" <br /> <br /> He was about to ask her about the possible bribery lawsuit, but the call was terminated.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jasmine headed to Cooper, Taylor & Associates.<br /> <br /> The receptionist asked, "Ms. Black, what—" <br /> <br /> "I'm Mr. Cooper's girlfriend," blurted Jasmine without stopping in her tracks.<br /> <br /> The employees were stunned to see her there. Rumors about her and Diego had been circling within the law firm for the past two days.<br /> <br /> She read the sign on the door before knocking and opening it without waiting for Diego's signal.<br /> <br /> Diego, who was reading some documents, looked up at her expressionlessly.<br /> <br /> "Is there anything, Ms. Black?" <br /> <br /> He sounded aloof.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's hair was let loose over her black professional attire. Her three-inch black high heels were supposed to add more professionalism to her appearance, but it made her look alluring instead.<br /> <br /> She walked up next to him before flopping onto his office table seductively. With one hand, she easily grabbed his necktie.<br /> <br /> "Giving me the cold treatment already? We just slept together two days ago, though."<br /> Chapter 3<br /> Diego snatched back his tie from Jasmine's hands while chuckling. <br /> <br /> "You must be here because of Fabian's bribery."<br /> <br /> "Of course not. I'm here to… talk about our relationship, not work." <br /> <br /> She pulled at his necktie again, playing with it while faking a smile. <br /> <br /> "You want me to sleep with you again? So you can brag about it in the group and rake in big money?" <br /> <br /> He slapped her hand away.<br /> <br /> He crossed his arms to lean against the back of his chair and arched a brow at her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine slid down from the table to sit on his lap. The transition she made was smooth.<br /> <br /> Her warm breath brushed against his ears as she giggled. <br /> <br /> "Honestly, I was too drunk to remember what happened that night. I kind of want to relive it again…"<br /> <br /> Diego's ears turned red. He pushed Jasmine and stared at her. He thought she was shameless. <br /> <br /> "Uphold your dignity, Jasmine Black."<br /> <br /> "I've misplaced it. Mind finding it for me?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine rested against his chest lazily. <br /> <br /> Her finger traced along his perfect neckline. <br /> <br /> "I never knew that you were this pretentious, Mr. Cooper. You were so mean that night, as if it was your first time seeing a woman. Why are you pretending to be free from lust now?"<br /> <br /> The cheeky movement of her finger gave him a faint jolt of electricity, and he slapped her hand away. <br /> <br /> "What are you trying to imply right now? Who was the one who said that it was a mere game so heartlessly that day?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine wished she could slap herself—no, Fabian—at this moment. She felt that it was all that idiot's fault.<br /> <br /> Had it not been for him, she wouldn't have needed to flatter Diego.<br /> <br /> "Why take it to the heart when those were mere heartless words? Since we've slept together, why don't we just date?" <br /> <br /> She took shamelessness to a whole new level.<br /> <br /> "Sorry, but I don't date heartless people. Torturing myself is not my thing." <br /> <br /> Diego shoved Jasmine off his lap.<br /> <br /> Jasmine gnashed her teeth in rage. How dare he claim that dating her was torture!<br /> <br /> It took everything in her to build up her reputation and the confidence to stand before him with pride.<br /> <br /> But why must she debase herself for him again?<br /> <br /> She thought Diego was one merciless and stubborn man.<br /> <br /> Given her pretty looks, voluptuous body, elite profession, and background, men lined up to be her partner.<br /> <br /> Yet, she had to work hard to wear him down.<br /> <br /> She stood up straight and massaged her forehead to regain her cool momentarily. <br /> <br /> Then, she made a graceful turn and crossed her arms, smiling. <br /> <br /> "Are you sure you want that, jerk?"<br /> <br /> Diego ignored her and pressed a button on his landline. <br /> <br /> "Callie, come in and escort Ms. Black to make payment."<br /> <br /> He pointed and glanced at the door. <br /> <br /> "Ms. Black, I charge ten thousand dollars per consultation hour. Please make the payment outside."<br /> <br /> She nodded before suddenly removing and tossing her black coat onto his table. She strode toward the door while unbuttoning her shirt and ruffling her hair. <br /> <br /> "It's only ten thousand dollars. Don't worry. I will pay and ask your secretary to… buy something."<br /> <br /> Diego finally showed traces of uneasiness at her actions. He sprang up from his seat and ran over to the door.<br /> <br /> When she opened the door, he quickly slammed it shut again by caging her against it. <br /> <br /> His eyelids fluttered at the pleasing view before him, and he looked away. <br /> <br /> "Why are you here?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine scanned the office, concerned that he would record the conversation secretly. After all, no one knew what he had up his sleeves, considering how cautious he was.<br /> <br /> Daisy was at a disadvantage, which was why Diego set Fabian up. <br /> <br /> If Jasmine fell for Diego's trap, too, she would lose the case and be sent to prison. She would be the joke of the century if that came to pass.<br /> <br /> "I'm here to talk about us." <br /> <br /> She flashed him a smile, attempting to have him wrapped around her finger first.<br /> <br /> Right then, the door suddenly opened. Callie turned her head only to see the duo engaged in an intimate scene. Her jaw almost fell to the floor.<br /> <br /> Diego, who wielded impactful influence in the political and business worlds, always prioritized work over anything else.<br /> <br /> His methods were ruthless and shrewd. Nothing could make him bat an eye, not even a murder.<br /> <br /> On the subject of chivalry and love, he didn't have the emotional intelligence for either of those.<br /> <br /> Callie couldn't believe what she was witnessing.<br /> <br /> "Get out," Diego instructed Callie.<br /> <br /> "Y-Yes. Don't worry, Mr. Cooper. I saw absolutely nothing." <br /> <br /> Callie covered her eyes.<br /> <br /> When he was about to close the door, Jasmine deliberately called out to her. <br /> <br /> "Don't leave so quickly. Could you help us buy something we really need right now?"<br /> <br /> She gave her a meaningful look. <br /> <br /> "Huh?" <br /> <br /> The baffled expression on Callie's face gave way to shock and awkwardness once she comprehended the situation. <br /> <br /> "S-Sure. I'll go right now." <br /> <br /> She slid out of the door and closed it.<br /> <br /> Jasmine chuckled. <br /> <br /> "Your secretary is sensible and funny."<br /> <br /> Diego pulled away from her to get her coat. A crease knitted between his brows. <br /> <br /> "Enough fooling around. Are you going to leave dressed or naked? If you want the latter, I'm happy to lend you a helping hand."<br /> <br /> "Try me." <br /> <br /> She cocked her brow as she didn't believe Diego's words.<br /> <br /> As soon as she finished speaking, Diego threw the coat to one side and stripped her of her shirt.<br /> <br /> Before she could react, he pulled her into his arms and trailed his fingers on her back.<br /> <br /> Completely flustered, she covered her chest. <br /> <br /> "What are you doing, jerk? Do you think you're the only one with guts here?"<br /> <br /> She became agitated and caught the secret pin of his belt and pressed it. The belt dangled in midair. <br /> <br /> Something dark was churning in his eyes as he stared at her.<br /> <br /> Right then, a knock resounded on the door, and the doorknob twisted.<br /> <br /> Before the person could open the door, Diego pushed back against it. <br /> <br /> "Don't come in!"<br /> <br /> He withdrew his hand to wear his belt. <br /> <br /> "Get dressed already!"<br /> <br /> "I thought you wanted me to leave naked. Why are you stopping me now? Because you don't want others to see?"<br /> Chapter 4<br /> Diego was rendered speechless. He gave Jasmine a cold look before returning to his table to bury himself in the documents, ignoring her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine swiftly dressed herself and opened the door to leave. <br /> <br /> But Jesse Taylor—their old friend—was holding some documents by the door.<br /> <br /> He arched his brows at her. <br /> <br /> "Why didn't you let me in? What… were you guys doing in there?"<br /> <br /> "Take a guess." <br /> <br /> Jasmine put on a serious face while brushing her hair. <br /> <br /> "Did you sleep with him again? I will only pay when I see the proof!"<br /> <br /> "Knock on the door at the right time next time." <br /> <br /> She said that intentionally before leaving.<br /> <br /> Diego raised his head to watch her leave. Her antics frustrated him.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Jasmine returned to her office in the afternoon. <br /> <br /> An offer came in. It was a request for her to represent a huge company. She would be paid handsomely for the job.<br /> <br /> When the boss left, Fabian, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately entered her office. <br /> <br /> "Be honest with me. How much do you earn annually? You have so many clients."<br /> <br /> "Have you installed the surveillance camera?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine watered the orchids in her office nonchalantly. She thought it was a bad idea to reveal her income to outsiders.<br /> <br /> "I've done it. But Daisy's boy toy hasn't visited her mansion for two days. I bet Diego has reminded her about it."<br /> <br /> "There's no rush in this." <br /> <br /> Jasmine was calm.<br /> <br /> "Do you have any solutions to resolve the bribery incident?" Fabian asked concernedly.<br /> <br /> She fell silent.<br /> <br /> Diego had the evidence that could prove Fabian's bribery attempt, but he didn't file a lawsuit for it.<br /> <br /> She wondered what Diego was up to. Was he trying to play with her more?<br /> <br /> If so, she didn't mind joining the game.<br /> <br /> "I'll buy us some time for now. Didn't you say that your wife slept with other men?"<br /> <br /> "I'm very sure about it. I ran into her a few times when she was having a meal with different businessmen. From the look in their eyes, I knew there was something going on between them. I wouldn't have married her if I had known she was this kind of woman!"<br /> <br /> "Hire a reliable private investigator. It'll be best to have pictures of her having an affair with another man," Jasmine stated.<br /> <br /> With such evidence, she could negotiate with Diego to reclaim the evidence of Fabian's bribery attempt.<br /> <br /> If Diego still refuses to compromise, she'd need to see him in court first for the bribery case.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Diego and Jesse were enjoying their time in the bar at night.<br /> <br /> A woman in a white strap dress showed up. Her makeup was light, and she let her hair loose. She looked stunning.<br /> <br /> The woman walked toward them, and Diego noticed.<br /> <br /> "What a coincidence! Are you guys here for a drink, too?" <br /> <br /> Although there was an empty seat beside Diego, Jasmine chose to sit next to Jesse.<br /> <br /> "You look like a doll today… Are you trying to seduce Mr. Cooper again?" <br /> <br /> Jesse grinned. <br /> <br /> Jasmine ordered a bottle of whiskey from the barista and filled half of her glass with it. <br /> <br /> After taking a sip, she deliberately hung her arm over his shoulders with a smile. <br /> <br /> "I think you're hot, too. You're also funny and nice."<br /> <br /> Diego glanced at her and took a sip of his drink. <br /> <br /> "Jesse, do you know why callous people can appear flirty?" <br /> <br /> He looked serious.<br /> <br /> Jasmine almost choked over her drink. He was chiding her once again.<br /> <br /> She thought he was a jerk for doing so.<br /> <br /> "Because they flirt with different people?" <br /> <br /> Jesse was flabbergasted. <br /> <br /> "Why the question all of a sudden?"<br /> <br /> Sometimes, Jesse swore that he couldn't follow Diego's thoughts.<br /> <br /> "That's right. We should never stoop to that level." <br /> <br /> Diego's tone remained serious.<br /> <br /> Jasmine felt he was being pretentious. <br /> <br /> People might have perceived him as a righteous man, but he was rotten on the inside.<br /> <br /> She sighed.<br /> <br /> "I guess people can stoop that low sometimes." <br /> <br /> She flashed a smile at him while propping her chin on her hand, and he arched his brow in response.<br /> <br /> Jesse choked on his drink and spilled alcohol all over. <br /> <br /> Her face flushed red. It seemed like she had lost this time. <br /> <br /> Agitated, she kicked his shin with her heels and shoved him away.<br /> <br /> Then, she walked over to Diego's seat, bending over to lift his chin and bite his lips.<br /> <br /> Her posture exerted dominance. It was as if a lady boss was forcing a kiss on her submissive boyfriend. <br /> <br /> His expression darkened. He was about to push her away when she pulled herself from him. <br /> <br /> She crossed her arms, satisfied with the mark she left on his lips. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, please lay the evidence on the table before you speak. If you spout nonsense, I will have to—"<br /> <br /> Halfway through her declaration, he suddenly stood up and towered over her. <br /> <br /> Grabbing her by the waist, Diego pinned her against the counter and bit Jasmine's lips back.<br /> <br /> She moaned in pain.<br /> <br /> Before Jasmine could hit Diego, he withdrew and placed his hands behind his back. <br /> <br /> She massaged her hurting waist and touched her lips, which were bleeding because of his bite.<br /> <br /> Her opinion of him being a jerk strengthened. <br /> <br /> She was so annoyed that she barked a laugh. <br /> <br /> "Diego Cooper, I will make you kneel and beg for mercy one day!" <br /> <br /> "Is that so?" <br /> <br /> He chuckled.<br /> <br /> "I swear to God!" Jasmine waged a challenge.<br /> <br /> He smiled faintly while watching her.<br /> <br /> A thrilled Jesse was grinning ear-to-ear. <br /> <br /> "Holy moly, you're going to make him kneel and beg for mercy? You have guts, Ms. Black! But… I love it! I'm betting ten thousand dollars!"<br /> <br /> He would love to see Diego do that. After all, Diego had always been the epitome of arrogance.<br /> <br /> Jesse quickly repeated Jasmine's words in the group chat, which sent everyone wild. <br /> <br /> Such bliss should be shared for the greater good.<br /> <br /> Everyone in the group chat began placing their bets, and her phone kept ringing from the influx of messages.<br /> <br /> She checked the notifications and rolled her eyes at Jesse. <br /> <br /> "Wow, thanks."<br /> <br /> "My pleasure. The more, the merrier, right?" <br /> <br /> He grinned sheepishly while brushing the tip of his nose.<br /> <br /> Jasmine filled her glass and downed it all to regain her composure. Then, she headed to the restroom. <br /> <br /> Some suspicious men were following her from behind.<br /> <br /> When they reached the corridor to the restroom, someone said to her, "Jasmine Black from Black, Murphy & Associates?"<br /> <br /> She spun around and questioned the six sceptical-looking men, "Who are you working for?"<br /> <br /> "That's none of your business. Anyway, someone wants you crippled to ruin your career," said the leading man with red hair. <br /> <br /> He brandished the metal bar from his shirt and signaled his men to charge at her. They were all holding the same weapon.<br /> <br /> "Fuck. You've just underestimated me there."<br /> Chapter 5<br /> The six suspicious-looking men had approached her at the right time.<br /> <br /> Jasmine coincidentally needed to vent her frustrations.<br /> <br /> She warmed up her legs before suddenly kicking the red-haired guy, sending him flying and landing on three other men.<br /> <br /> A few minutes later, Diego, who also had to use the restroom, noticed a bunch of guys surrounding Jasmine. <br /> <br /> An icy, intimidating air emanated from her.<br /> <br /> He joined the fray, easily taking down those men with a few punches and kicks. The blows he dealt were clean-cut.<br /> <br /> He might appear to be a level-headed and calm person, but his combat skills were fatal.<br /> <br /> "Who are you working for?" Diego interrogated while stepping on one of the men's faces.<br /> <br /> "It's…" <br /> <br /> The man had an idea and lied, "It's Mrs. Cannon from Cannon Group! Ms. Black sent her husband to prison, so she wanted us to teach Ms. Black a lesson."<br /> <br /> "Jesse, call the cops." <br /> <br /> Diego kicked the man and approached Jasmine. <br /> <br /> "Are you alright?"<br /> <br /> A quick-witted Jasmine clutched her abdomen, feigning pain. <br /> <br /> "They hit my stomach with a stick. It hurts…" <br /> <br /> Diego wordlessly scooped her up and headed outside. Jasmine was very confused. <br /> <br /> She wondered if he was worried about her, even though he said she was heartless and kept angering her.<br /> <br /> She considered if he was suffering from dissociative identity disorder.<br /> <br /> Jesse called to them, "Hey! Are you leaving so soon? Why am I cleaning up the mess for you guys again?"<br /> <br /> However, the ungrateful duo didn't respond to him.<br /> <br /> In the car, Diego asked, "Do you want to go to the hospital?"<br /> <br /> Hugging his neck, Jasmine leaned her head to rest on his shoulder. She stifled the urge to grin while continuing her act. <br /> <br /> "It's fine. Do you have medicine at home? You can help me tend to my wounds."<br /> <br /> "I'll send you back to your place then." <br /> <br /> He removed her hands so that she could be seated properly.<br /> <br /> "No! I want to go to your place!" <br /> <br /> She plastered herself to him, whining.<br /> <br /> Diego pushed her away and cupped Jasmine's face. <br /> <br /> "You said it was a game. Is my place a playground, then? A place you can come and go whenever you want?" <br /> <br /> "I wanna go!" <br /> <br /> She slapped off his hand and snorted.<br /> <br /> She was going to make this man fall for her one day.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jesse returned to Diego's office from the police station.<br /> <br /> "Did the cops look into it? Was it Mrs. Cannon?" inquired Diego.<br /> <br /> "Not her, but your client, Daisy Freeman." <br /> <br /> Jesse delved his hands into his pockets, smiling.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression darkened.<br /> <br /> "If Jasmine finds out it's Daisy behind this, she'll surely sue her. So, I called Jasmine and told her it was Mrs. Cannon's doing."<br /> <br /> Diego didn't respond. Instead, he contacted Daisy to arrange a meeting at his office.<br /> <br /> After the call ended, Jesse asked, "Are you still not going to file a lawsuit against Fabian? No one can ever escape from the charges of bribing a lawyer. Besides, if you file the lawsuit now, you won't have to meet Jasmine in court after that."<br /> <br /> "It's none of your business." <br /> <br /> Diego took a sip of his coffee.<br /> <br /> "This is not like you. Have you fallen for her after sleeping with her?" Jesse teased.<br /> <br /> "You must be blind," Diego retorted.<br /> <br /> "Then, why don't you want to close this divorce case as soon as possible?"<br /> <br /> "Can't I toy with her for a while longer? Look how arrogant she is." <br /> <br /> As Jasmine had said, this was simply a game. It wouldn't hurt to play along with her, would it?<br /> <br /> "Fine. But do not lose the case because of this game. I've seen how Jasmine defended her client in court several times before. She was sharp, quick-witted, and intimidating. She finished asking her questions before the opposing lawyer could react."<br /> <br /> "Do you think that I'll lose to her?" <br /> <br /> Diego cocked his brow.<br /> <br /> "What if you're blinded by love?"<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Daisy intentionally chose a tight black dress with a deep neckline to wear to Cooper, Taylor & Associates. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, why did you call for me?" <br /> <br /> Her sexy gait carried her to his table.<br /> <br /> She had the nerve to rest her hand on his shoulder before sliding it down to his chest.<br /> <br /> Her beauty gave her the confidence to take down any man.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Diego stood up and choked her, dragging her all the way to the floor-to-ceiling window.<br /> <br /> He was forced half of her body to hang out of the window.<br /> <br /> "First of all, I'll cut your hands off if you touch me again. Secondly, I'll send you straight to prison the next time you hire someone to hurt Jasmine. You won't be able to get a single penny out of your divorce!"<br /> <br /> Daisy coughed while trying to pry his hand away.<br /> <br /> Looking at his menacing expression was already intimidating enough. When she turned her head to gaze down at the dizzying height, fear gripped her.<br /> <br /> They were on the 118th floor.<br /> <br /> "I-I won't do it again…"<br /> <br /> Only then did he lift her up and throw her to a corner. <br /> <br /> "You better see to that."<br /> <br /> The heels Daisy wore were so high that she almost lost her balance and fell. <br /> <br /> She clenched her fists and tried to regain her composure. <br /> <br /> "Why are you taking her side?" <br /> <br /> She couldn't help the question.<br /> <br /> Diego wiped his hand, which had touched her, with a few pieces of tissue paper. <br /> <br /> He spun around, pinning her with his sharp gaze. <br /> <br /> "If my reputation is ruined, will you compensate for it?"<br /> <br /> Daisy initially assumed that Diego had feelings for Jasmine. It turned out that he was simply trying to defend his reputation.<br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, are you confident that we can win this case? I don't want to split my assets into half for that guy without a valid reason."<br /> <br /> Over the last two days, Daisy had looked into Jasmine. <br /> <br /> Jasmine accepted various high-profile cases. She was even the defense attorney for a death-row prisoner, who was then released without charges.<br /> <br /> Diego may be able to send an innocent person to jail, but Jasmine could get a prisoner off death row.<br /> <br /> That was why Daisy was worried about seeing Jasmine in court.<br /> <br /> "With me, all I ask is whether you want to win or not because I will certainly win it." <br /> <br /> He spared Daisy a cold glance before returning to his seat.<br /> <br /> Daisy didn't say anything further and left.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Jasmine and her assistant, Addison, were on their way to the courthouse together.<br /> <br /> "Ms. Black, don't you think the plaintiff is pitiful? His daughter needs the money to receive treatment. If he loses the case and is unable to receive insurance for compensation, what's gonna happen to her?" asked Addison.<br /> <br /> As Jasmine crossed her legs, she shifted her attention from the documents in her hands to give him a brief look. <br /> <br /> "Having faith in your client and giving them the greatest advantage is the basic principle of a lawyer."	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1,778,377	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778100}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:37	active	760	3667052790216530	🔥🔥 Click to Read 👉🏻👉🏻	My husband had been having an affair with his assistant. I could hear the sounds of moans pouring from our bedroom before I opened the door.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them having intercourse from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. <br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice.Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec."<br /> ————————<br /> Vivian<br /> I took a deep breath compose myself as the my introduction to the crowd began. My heart felt as if it was in my throat right now. It felt like the weight of the world was centered on my shoulders.<br /> If I was successful, not only would it launch my modeling career at age 28, but I would increase funding for this campaign.<br /> Since majority of the crowd outside of these curtains did not have my skin tone, I had to impress them.<br /> Today is the beginning of a campaign launching models with brown skin into the dominantly pale skinned model industry. I will be the face of the campaign and in order to be successful, I must make these rich people want to fund this campaign.<br /> And I will succeed.<br /> There has never been a fashion show like this, where I haven't had my hair straightened, my make up has not been contoured on my face to match those around me, and I am not walking fiercely down the walkway as if I'm walking on fire.<br /> I had always been confident in myself as a black woman yet I still found myself getting stage fright before my shows. Even more so with the bold campaign I was now launching.<br /> And after many failed seductive attempts with my husband lately, I wasn't sure if I could seduce the crowd before me.<br /> Instead I am to walk slowly, very seductively. My natural kinky curls framed my face, I have little to no make up on so that I appear soft as I am, completely naturally.<br /> The curtains are pulled back and as I began my walk down the aisle, it is not hard at all to seduce the crowd.<br /> I capture everybody's attention and when I pass them, the from the corner of my eye, I can see the effect I have on them and I couldn't help how it boosted my confidence.<br /> My walk is so natural and graceful that I practically glide down the run way. The bronze light is soft and makes my brown skin glow in the dark like highlight. The sway of my hips is mesmerizing to the crowd, so I pause and I turn slowly looking at all the faces to give them my best seductive smile.<br /> Many have lost their composure, becoming flustered by my attention. I hold my smirk, this is my crowd now.<br /> I almost falter when I see that my husband is not among the crowd. Once upon a time, he was always the first face that I graced with my smiles. He had never missed one of my shows in the beginning, looking up at me just as entranced as the rest of the crowd.<br /> I can feel my eyes watering so I quickly look away from them and continue making my way down the runway.<br /> When I finish with the crowd, I walk back up the runway and into the darkness hiding me from the crowd as they all cheer. In the darkness I hold my face, I can't help the excitement that overcomes me. I did it!<br /> My husband had promised to be here today. If he wasn't behind stage with the rest of my crew then I didn't know what this would mean for our marriage. I could worry about all that tomorrow though.<br /> Tonight, I fuccccckkking owned that crowd and I was sure going to celebrate my success on my birthday.<br /> I let out the breath that I had been holding and recompose myself then I walk behind stage to the small group gathered for me. I grin victoriously, strutting up to them saucily.<br /> "You did it, Vi! They all looked like they wanted to eat you up." My best friend and manager Naomi screams running up to me to hug me while all my co-workers clap and shout congrats. "How about some birthday cake before the next show?"<br /> I give Naomi the biggest hug and nod.<br /> "What's wrong girl?" She asks noticing something is wrong right away.<br /> I want to be happy but I have this really terrible feeling in my chest. I hug her back trying not to smile awkwardly as I ask her if my husband Richard made an appearance tonight.<br /> "No, I didn't see him? Was he supposed to be here?" She asked.<br /> "Yes." I replied. I could see the look of pity on her face as she shook her head, it had been about 4 years since he had been to one of my modeling gigs. And what type of message did that send? He was my husband and should've been here to support me.<br /> Part of me isn't really surprised, I knew when I refused to quit modeling and depend fully on Richard financially that our marriage would change.<br /> But this job is what helped get his business up and running when we graduated college with no immediate careers in sight. So I decided to keep modeling even after Richard became financially stable, despite it not being anything closely related to what I'd majored in.<br /> Naomi attempts to cheer me up with the double chocolate layer cake she baked me for my birthday and I grin at her trying my best not to let my intuition eat away at my happiness, nobody wanted an unhappy campaign model right?<br /> I finally manage to escape Naomi and her devil addicting double chocolate cake, making my way out front to the crowd to make my appearances and answer questions for those who had attended the opening show before the next show started.<br /> Afterwards when it was time for the second show, I made my way backstage to my booth to check my phone for any messages from Richard. He was a very successful business man that had recently become the owner of the company he had worked for, thanks to me, why shouldn't he take days off to support my career? Why else was his secretary always around for then?<br /> The bad feeling in my chest only increase at that point, and I recognized it as my intuition. Something was up and I was so angry that I seemed like the only one who wanted our marriage so I was gonna confront Richard about it. After not locating my phone, I realized that I had left my phone at home and since this was the second show I could afford to leave. I was only required to show my face at the after party that started in 6 hours and I would be back by then.<br /> I grabbed my bag and dipped before anyone noticed, sneaking another slice of Naomi's cake as I went.<br /> When I finally made it home I sat in the car for a moment smashing on the piece of cake because Richard hated when I ate sweets. It was my birthday, I deserved to smash my face in it!<br /> When I finished, I walked into the house instantly noticing the clothing littered the floor. There were female clothing scattered among the trail that led upstairs. A sickening feeling overcame me at that moment but I forced the cake that had suddenly came up back down, following the trail of clothing up the stairs to my bedroom door slowly, quietly.<br /> I could hear the sounds of moans and groans pouring from our bedroom.<br /> My husband had grown bold, it seemed. Obviously he had no respect for me if he passed up one of the most successful campaign launches for my career to bring a bimbo to our house to have an affair.<br /> I almost turned to leave, wanting to just walk away with my heart partially intact but I knew I had to see this. I tried to mentally prepare myself for this. I wanted to know who the bimbo was.<br /> To bring a woman to our home and have intercourse with her in our bed on my birthday? He was so disrespectful and just asking to be caught. As I stepped closer to the door, I could hear her telling him how much she loved him through the door.<br /> He responded, telling her that he loved her too. I closed my eyes counting to ten and gathering what remained of my resolve.<br /> I can do this, I thought. I must see this.<br /> I forced myself to open the door, my eyes widening as I saw them in the act up close and personal.<br /> I realized that he had been having an affair with his assistant, Emily. The sad part is that this did not appear to be just a regular experience. They were making love and the familiarity of it told me that it had been happening for quite a while. I couldn't have prepared myself for the pain that I felt slicing through my heart in a thousand years.<br /> My soul was in agony, this was not something that the mind couldn't rationalize for the sake of saving my heart from breaking into pieces. It had been in my face all along and I had been blind to it because we had started attending marriage counseling together. What a joke the marriage counselling must have been to both of them.<br /> My marriage was over. And that one thought kept repeating inside my head like a broken record.<br /> It's over.<br /> I dropped my bag at the door, turning to run away from the sight of them. I couldn't take the pain of watching them anymore. My marriage to Richard had meant everything to me, we had been married 10 years.<br /> I managed to hold my sobs as I ran outside of my home, past my car, and down the streets of our beautiful neighborhood. I just let myself run freely, trying to run myself to exertion to exchange the pain from my heart to the pain in my legs. My silk dress had ripped all up my thighs exposing my lace panties, too delicate for the strain that my pumping legs made. I did not care at all, not pausing to cover myself or look if anybody was looking at me.<br /> When I finally stopped to catch my breath and look around I was just at the local park 10 minutes away from my home. I finally let my sobs out, breaking down completely as I saw that the park was empty.<br /> Richard had been my high-school best friend turned sweetheart after prom, when I gave him my first time. I had always loved him, just fell in love our senior year. I had wanted to have children with him and grow old with him, I did everything right to keep him happy. I had never looked back and regretted anything until now. I knew that we were never supposed to be more than friends but I still married him after high-school because he had been the only guy I wanted to be with.<br /> Richard had cheated once before in college but that was just a one time at a party. He hadn't came back to our dorm that night and that next morning, I had just knew. I forgave him since we were still basically kids in college, told him he was still who I wanted and that I wouldn't dream of sleeping with another man. But still once a cheater, always a cheater.<br /> He destroyed me..<br /> Everything else I could deal with. Marriage was about forgiveness and making sacrifices, right?But sharing intimacy with another? That was the worst type of betrayal. I couldn't stay with him after this. I couldn't forgive him for this, but I was too weak to walk away. Love didn't just fade away, the hurt was still there stabbing me in my chest. I wanted him to hurt, I knew that he loved me. I was the real mastermind behind his company. He couldn't afford to lose me.<br /> But I had nothing left to give. I had put everything including my soul into my marriage, only for it to shatter before my eyes. I couldn't stand another thought of being on this Earth without him after this, either.<br /> He was my only best friend after all.<br /> How would I end it?<br /> My LIFE.<br /> How would I commit suicide?<br /> Pills? Hanging? Knife? Bridge?<br /> I could have a peaceful death. I would drown myself, let the water end the anguish that brewed inside my heart. And when they found my body, he would know.<br /> He did this. He lost me, forever.<br /> ---<br /> Vivian<br /> Silence makes many people very uncomfortable. It's non existence is deafening, it can be insistent and unable to escape. People cannot stand the thought of being alone in silence. People crave interaction with people, they crave attention.<br /> I, however, craved intimacy. And I was not just talking about intercourse.<br /> Intimacy wasn't about who could touch my body, it was about who could touch my soul.<br /> Intimacy was the purest form of connection, something I lacked in my marriage.<br /> Now I wished that I could capture that silence for myself. I wanted to bottle that silence, preserve it just for me so that I could release it every time my thoughts overwhelmed my head.<br /> I studied the ripples that my legs made in the pond.<br /> Beautiful, I thought, tilting my head up to look up into the dark sky. I closed my eyes, if I waited any longer I would lose my nerve. I sucked in my breath, desperately trying to taste the sweetness of summer one last time but it was too late. I tasted bitterness on my tongue and I felt it engulfing me, tainting the taste that I had wanted to savor. I gasped, inhaling fresh air, despair filled me at the thought that I would leave this world with my soul not at peace. I forced myself to believe that I could taste the final sweet taste of summer and it subdued my mind as I gently stretched my legs side to side before sliding into the water allowing the water to close over my face without panicking.<br /> The water was colder as I floated underneath it. My dress seems tighter, constricting my gentle movements so I removed it, ripping it off my body before I really started to panic.<br /> Peaceful. Peaceful. Peaceful. I chanted inside my head, all I wanted was to die peacefully. Something inside me won't allow that though, something rebels. I am rebelling.<br /> I've never been a coward, why should I start now?<br /> Because it hurts...<br /> Suddenly loud ringing starts in my ears and I gasp stupidly, releasing the the little air that I had been holding onto. The water has changed, becoming insistent and dragging me down. The fear consumes me, I am really terrified to die. What happened to dying peacefully?<br /> Just fight for your life. My conscience screams.<br /> I desperately fling my arms back and forth, pumping my legs to swim to the surface of the water. I swim until I can see a glimmer of light in the dark water, the surface was just there but my body is weaker now. I can barely move because I've driven my body to exertion.<br /> I am just about to reach the surface when my breath finally gives out and I am forced to swallow the water.<br /> I've tempted Satan with my soul, now he is going to make me drown.<br /> You were almost there, I couldn't help thinking as I began to jerk uncontrollably, the water inducing spasms of my larynx. Within 30 seconds, the laryngospasms begin to weaken and I'm losing consciousness. My life begins flashing before my eyes and as my brain skims through my wonderful childhood, it isn't long before I see Richard. He was my first best friend. My first love. My first everything and my life with him flashed.<br /> Realizing that I loved him. Marrying him after high school graduation. The discovery of his infidelity in college. Choosing to stay and work through our problems. Graduating college with honors with him at my side. Pursuing a modeling career to help support us while he became stable. Then finally coming home tonight to discover that that infidelity had never ceased.<br /> The pain of knowing that 10 years of my life had been wasted in a one-sided loveless marriage with a cheating prick did not hit me as hard as earlier. The pain was just gone, I had not loss much with Richard... only time.<br /> Then my flashes stop and I see what could be, my life starting anew. Dating, a faithful relationship with the man of my dreams, having children in my little farm house. I want it so bad but it is just out of my grasp. The water is pulling me down, refusing to allow me to float just under the waterline anyone. I am sinking like a stone.<br /> I know that brain failure is imminent but I also know that there is one last chance to survive.<br /> My body forces me to inhale again and with that force, I propel myself upwards. I finally break the surface of the water, spitting up all that awful tasting water that I had pretended tasted so sweet. I climb out of the pond, looking down at the misleading peaceful looking waves.<br /> I ripped off the remainder of my underwear hating the feeling of wet clothing on my skin, decidi<br /> ng right then and there that I would never step foot in any large body of water ever again. I start my walk back to my home.<br /> When I opened the door to the house and made my way pass the clothing, I smiled a very dark smile.<br /> When I heard the wailing moans of my soon to be ex husband's "secretary" I walked my undressed hip directly to them.<br /> I took a deep breath clearing the visual of them making love from my head. Oh, I had grand plans for these two adulterers.<br /> And now I would not go silently.<br /> I opened the door, walking in and pausing to watch them. They were making love, it was no question.<br /> The door smacked the wall hard alerting them that I was here. Emily's shocked gasp filled the air.<br /> I walked right past both of their startled figures, to my dresser where my phone was with a smirk. "Hey guys, smile for the camera!"<br /> I turned on my camera, snapping pictures of them on the bed still frozen, both staring at me in shock.<br /> "Nice." I commented before making my way to my walk in closet. "Please forgive the intrusion, I'll be on my way in just a sec." I grabbed a dress for the after party that I was now late for and made my way to the bathroom humming happily.<br /> At the angle that I took the pictures, the affair was unmistakable. I smiled at them again when I passed. Emily now scrambled to grab the covers that they had kicked on the floor. I chuckled, I had already saw everything she had to offer, with the comforter out of her reach she was now using Richard to shield her and neither of them would make eye contact with me.<br /> "At least own up to what y'all were doing, be adults about it. I'm not mad." I said.<br /> "Vivian, I can-" Richard began to try to make that dumb hip excuse, with that dumb hip look on his face pissing me off. The nasal sound of his voice was pissing me off. Everything about him was pissing me off. What did I ever see in him? Love sure blinded the outta me if I was just noticing this now.<br /> "Explain? No need to Richard, I see you both right now. Again, continue if you wish, I'll be on my way in a minute." I said, shutting the bathroom door and showering.<br /> I thanked fate for allowing me to leave my phone home in order to discover the affair. I took my sweet time, going all out with my routine and appreciating the warm water after I had been floating in that cold hip water for close to 3 hours. I even started to sing, ignoring Richard when he knocked on the door calling my name.<br /> After I got done I continued ignoring him while I dried, lathered myself with oils, and did my hair. my time was all my own again. My days of answering to him were over.<br /> "Freedom," I sang, opening the door and pushing past him. "Why were you undressed? What do you mean you're not mad?" He was frowning at the dress that I had on. "Where are you going Vivian?" He asked.<br /> "Not today, Richard." I said, ignoring his question. Both of them were now dressed and she sat on the perfectly made as if the affair had never happened.<br /> "Vivian, I would like to apologize," She began as we made eye- contact. I could almost respect her, but she was the worst type of person. They both were. <br /> "How long?" I asked her.<br /> "About-" She began.<br /> "Emily shut it, Vivian its not what you think. We-"<br /> "Save it, Richard. I was speaking to Emily, woman to woman. Now, how long?" I said looking at her. I saw his disbelief that I had just cut him off. I had never did it before but then again, I had never disrespected him by cheating or even entertaining the thought either.<br /> "About 4 years." Longer than I thought initially, but now that I thought back he had stopped attending my shows around that time.<br /> "Wow, I hope you both have a good night. <br /> I'm out." From the corner of my eye I notice Richard eyeing me. I turned getting him a 360 view of my dress and his face turned red. "Where are you going, Vivian?" He said it possessively.<br /> "To have passionate intercourse with a random stranger, Richard." I could feel a hysterical laugh building inside me but I manage to hold in in, smiling instead. "Its only fair that I make up for all the intercourse I've been missing out on due to your negligence. Enjoy your secretary, husband. When we're divorced, feel free to marry her because when I'm done with you, nobody will come near either of you again." I said, leaving them dumbfounded.<br /> I made a show of bending to grab my purse at the doorway, turning back to smile seductively at Richard.<br /> I giggled, standing and holding my head high as I walked out of the house to my car. I had never been insecure of my body but since Richard treated me as if I'd been invincible, and not from a lack of trying on my part, for the past two years I had been questioning myself. I mean slowly losing my self confidence as the significant other.<br /> Never again... Near death experiences had a way of making you see what really mattered.<br /> My happiness.<br /> Call me selfish or whatever. I have missed out and tonight I was going to make up for it.<br /> Nothing could make me stay to work things out at this point, I was divorcing him. With the proof I had, I would destroy him then take everything that he had. I wasn't walking away from this 10- year investment empty handed.<br /> Once, he told me that he would give me the world.<br /> But I could settle with his bank account.	LEARN_MORE	https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Ym9va3ZpbGxlLzE3MTc3NS8	140046759187543	World003	https://facebook.com/61551640813531	213	1	3,010,224,982,453,483	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Learn more	World003	120211442447540288	b.ficsworld.com	NONE	video		https://b.ficsworld.com/ad/Ym9va3ZpbGxlLzE3MTc3NS8yMDI0MDUwODEwNTUyNy9wYWdl?adid={{ad.id}}	2024-05-07 22:02	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440245066_950817526532200_674808268805962476_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=Dqdj4HgwAB8Q7kNvgEsH445&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfBbzFxUxHMylcbDDX-2Q01j3ATDQoGTNQ_i7uX0kUwbww&oe=6641D925	person_profile	World003	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440223611_464468686140737_7154295398496775609_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=qHYDvNdt3OIQ7kNvgGwgPoI&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfDxP90P-Bm16WZ8T4vR_FE0yuAjxObsQQTgytxERlbpZQ&oe=6641E5FD	3	World003	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,387	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778298}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:38	active	760	8266808123335449	Click to Read More Chapters👉	Chapter 1<br /> After winning yet another lawsuit, Jasmine Black was having a drink with her colleagues at the bar.<br /> <br /> She was hammered when she noticed her rival, Diego Cooper, sitting at the opposite table.<br /> <br /> Diego was a prominent lawyer worldwide. He was regarded as the industry's formidable devil. He had never once lost a case.<br /> <br /> He's also the bastard that Jasmine had pursued from high school until she graduated from university.<br /> <br /> She had pursued him for seven long years, yet he remained indifferent and heartless toward her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine abruptly sprang up from her seat and staggered toward Diego. With one flop, she sat straight on his lap.<br /> <br /> She grabbed his necktie with one hand while resting the other against his toned abs. <br /> <br /> "Diego Cooper… Have you become bad in bed?"<br /> <br /> Diego didn't stop her as he reclined against the back of the couch. Instead, he stared at her wordlessly.<br /> <br /> "You're not answering… So, does that mean… it's true?"<br /> <br /> Something flickered in his eyes as he quickly removed her hand. <br /> <br /> "Don't you care about your reputation anymore? All your colleagues are here." <br /> <br /> His deep voice was slightly hoarse.<br /> <br /> Their colleagues gaped at them in disbelief, impressed by Jasmine's bravery.<br /> <br /> "What reputation? I had mine ruined a long time ago because of you!" a drunk Jasmine grumbled before biting his neck.<br /> <br /> All her high school and university classmates knew she spent a lot of money to win Diego's heart, only to fail miserably in the end.<br /> <br /> After graduating from university, she was crestfallen and went abroad. She swore she would one day beat Diego in something he was best at.<br /> <br /> When she returned to the country six months ago, she was already a famous lawyer with a winning streak dating back to the beginning of her career.<br /> <br /> She was beginning to drawl.<br /> <br /> While wearing a frown, Diego pulled the back of her collar to create distance between them. <br /> <br /> His eyes were dark and indecipherable. <br /> <br /> "You've drank too much, Jasmine. Have someone take you home."<br /> <br /> "No! I want you to take me home!" <br /> <br /> She yanked his necktie. Her imperative tone sounded slightly coquettish.<br /> <br /> He removed her hands from his tie so he could loosen it. Then, he grabbed her by the arm before walking outside without saying a word.<br /> <br /> Their colleagues' eyes widened.<br /> <br /> Everyone in the legal and political world knew Jasmine and Diego were on bad terms. <br /> <br /> They tried to figure out the scene they had just witnessed.<br /> <br /> When they reached the car, Jasmine wrapped her arms around Diego's neck and planted a kiss on his neck, sending a slight tremor down his spine.<br /> <br /> He held her by the waist and shoved her away. <br /> <br /> "This is sexual harassment, Jasmine Black. Do you think I won't sue you for this?" <br /> <br /> His tone rose.<br /> <br /> "If you're really bad in bed, then forget it. I'll just find someone by the street to release my sexual frustration."<br /> <br /> She then ignored him and waved at a passing man. <br /> <br /> "Hey, hot guy! Wanna get a room together?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine seemed serious about the invitation.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression darkened as he watched her antics. He pressed her waving hand down and opened the car door to shove her in.<br /> <br /> Then, he drove the car back home.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jasmine woke up and turned her head stiffly. <br /> <br /> Diego was sitting next to her, smoking. He appeared laid-back.<br /> <br /> Despite his charming looks, he had a dominating and intimidating presence about him.<br /> <br /> The grogginess that clouded her mind disappeared in a heartbeat.<br /> <br /> Did she finally manage to have sex with him after almost seven years?<br /> <br /> "Morning, Mr. Cooper," she said.<br /> <br /> Jasmine propped herself up, returning to her professional composure as a lawyer.<br /> <br /> "Wash up. Someone will serve breakfast in a while." <br /> <br /> Diego discarded his cigarette into the ashtray. <br /> <br /> "I'll forgo it. I have a client to meet in the morning." <br /> <br /> Aloofness seeped into her voice.<br /> <br /> She lifted the sheets and was about to get out of bed when an idea crossed her mind. <br /> <br /> She suddenly grabbed her phone from the headboard, smiling mischievously. <br /> <br /> "How about a picture for memory's sake?"<br /> <br /> Before Diego could say anything, Jasmine quickly launched the camera app on her phone and lay her head against his sturdy chest.<br /> <br /> She flashed a triumphant smile, raised the phone high, and took a selfie of her and Diego.<br /> <br /> The picture was rather suggestive as they were naked and were only covered with a blanket. <br /> <br /> She sent it to her best friend alongside a voice message. <br /> <br /> "Becky Dobbs, tell those people to wire the money to me. I won the bet. Oh, and the payment should include ten years of interest."<br /> <br /> Since she had lost her reputation, she thought she should make some money to make up for it.<br /> <br /> The shrewd Diego caught the point of the message. <br /> <br /> He asked with a smirk, "The bet was about me?"<br /> <br /> Turning around, she plastered herself to his chest while drawing circles on his abs with her finger. She couldn't resist it.<br /> <br /> Jasmine looked at Diego with beady eyes. <br /> <br /> "Why are you so surprised? I thought you've known all this while. Oh, and about what happened last night, it was consensual. It was simply an adult game. You don't have to take any responsibility."<br /> <br /> She felt the years she spent pursuing him were a loop of disappointment and heartbreaks. Continuing to be his devoted admirer would be a foolish decision.<br /> <br /> Sleeping and then dumping Diego had always been on her wishlist.<br /> <br /> "You're wild, Ms. Black." <br /> <br /> Chuckling, he glanced at her and pushed her away.<br /> <br /> Due to his handsome looks, a mere glance from him was enough to paralyze her with a tingling sensation.<br /> <br /> Jasmine thought Diego was a bastard who was good at seducing.<br /> <br /> His push caused her to fall backward, but she managed to support herself with both palms on the bed.<br /> <br /> Her tress cascaded over her shoulders, revealing her exposed body and seductive curves. <br /> <br /> Jasmine had a stunning body.<br /> <br /> Diego's eyes studied her up and down. The fact that his heart skipped a beat made him frown.<br /> <br /> "Did you sleep with me because you might like me?" <br /> <br /> She casually brushed her slightly curled hair. Picking up her shirt and bra, she began to take her time to dress herself.<br /> <br /> "Do you think that's even possible?" <br /> <br /> He cast a cold glance at her.<br /> <br /> Diego's answer didn't surprise her one bit. Regardless, it didn't bother her because she was determined to be the one who dumped him this time.<br /> <br /> Right then, her phone began ringing from the flood of incoming messages. Jasmine checked her phone. They were from Becky. <br /> <br /> "Did you really sleep with Mr. Cooper? How? This is too sudden. You failed to take him down in those ten years, though." <br /> <br /> Becky was more excited than Jasmine was.<br /> <br /> Smiling, Jasmine quickly replied, "I'll feed you the details later."<br /> <br /> Diego's phone kept ringing as well. He grabbed it and opened his WhatsApp. <br /> <br /> His high school and university group chats exploded with texts. <br /> <br /> Everyone was mind-blown by the news. <br /> <br /> "Jasmine Black had sex with Diego Cooper?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine's body stiffened when she saw the message in the group chat. She didn't expect it to have such a huge impact.<br /> <br /> Fortunately, she was close with the people in the group chats. There were only about 30 people in each group, which wasn't many.<br /> <br /> She replied to the message, "It was just a one-night stand. Those who had made a bet with me—you know who you are—wire the money to me."<br /> <br /> Her response elicited a faint smile from Diego, but his eyes reflected coldness as he watched her.<br /> <br /> She glimpsed at him—that alone was enough to cause a chill to run down her spine.<br /> <br /> "I bet you can't sleep with him for a second time. I'm betting double the amount on this." <br /> <br /> Their university friends copied and pasted the exact message.<br /> <br /> The situation was crazy.<br /> <br /> "Not only can I sleep with him twice, but thrice. Players, be prepared with your money!" she texted back with gusto.<br /> <br /> Backing off? Not a chance! She'd never do that to embarrass herself.<br /> <br /> The smile on Diego's face widened, but he looked like he was going to devour her alive.<br /> <br /> His best friend, Jesse Taylor, sent a text message. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper sent a lawyer to prison a few days ago. Mark my words—it was a 20-year sentence! Good luck, Ms. Black."<br /> <br /> Jasmine read that message and looked at Diego, who began smoking on the bed again. She couldn't read his emotions because the cloud of smoke covered his features.<br /> <br /> Arching her brow, she replied to Jesse, "Oh really? I'm looking forward to the day when I meet Mr. Cooper in court."<br /> <br /> She then shifted her attention away from the chat, smiling and waving at Diego. <br /> <br /> "I should get going, Mr. Cooper. Thanks for the hard work last night. Get some rest."<br /> <br /> Despite his faint smile, Diego suddenly pinched the cigarette between his fingers.<br /> Chapter 2<br /> In the afternoon, Jasmine noticed Diego as soon as she entered the cafe.<br /> <br /> The surprise was brief as she immediately wore a professional smile. <br /> <br /> "What are the odds, Mr. Cooper?"<br /> <br /> "Zero. I'm simply granting your wish." <br /> <br /> Smiling, he placed his cup of coffee on the table before reclining on the couch with his legs crossed. <br /> <br /> "Wow… Thank you for your service?" <br /> <br /> She gladly took a seat opposite him.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's client was a university friend who was also in the group chat they shared. <br /> <br /> The case was about a prestigious family in the city that went bankrupt due to internal conflicts.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression remained the same. He didn't respond to her remarks either.<br /> <br /> "Be a man, Fabian Dawson. We divorced three years ago, and you want half of my money?" Daisy Freeman, dressed in a sexy red dress, growled at Fabian.<br /> <br /> "You've only managed to come this far because of the huge sum of money I spent on you. Don't you even feel guilty about it?" he questioned.<br /> <br /> Fabian needed the money to rise again.<br /> <br /> "Why must I—"<br /> <br /> Before Daisy could finish her thought, Jasmine crossed her legs and interrupted, "If you guys think a fight can get you somewhere, what's the use of hiring a lawyer?"<br /> <br /> The dispute stopped. <br /> <br /> Jasmine looked at Diego indifferently. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, as you know, although it was signed, the divorce agreement won't be effective as long as the divorce procedures have not proceeded. The law states that a divorced couple should split matrimonial assets in half. The same goes for the debts."<br /> <br /> Diego asked, "Mr. Dawson, is it true that you had an affair while still married and had sex with your mistress many times?"<br /> <br /> Fabian smirked and shook his leg, completely unbothered. <br /> <br /> Meanwhile, Jasmine turned to look at Fabian in surprise. He hadn't told her any of that.<br /> <br /> Fabian blurted, "Fuck! What kind of man—"<br /> <br /> Jasmine gave him a look and averted the question.<br /> <br /> "Evidence, Mr. Cooper?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine had clearly informed Fabian before this that the conversation would be recorded whenever the lawyers met. <br /> <br /> She wondered if he was out of his mind as he almost let this tongue slip.<br /> <br /> Daisy huffed, "I witnessed him get a room with a model."<br /> <br /> "Ms. Freeman, did Mr. Cooper not explain what evidence is?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine smiled, relieved at the thought that the other party didn't have proof.<br /> <br /> Fabian snorted. <br /> <br /> "I have a mistress? You're talking as though you don't have a boy toy. I also wonder how many businessmen you have slept with all these years."<br /> <br /> "It was after we signed the divorce agreement that I—" <br /> <br /> Diego glimpsed at the foolish Daisy before interrupting her, "Please show the evidence before you speak."<br /> <br /> As mentioned at the beginning of the conversation, the divorce agreement was null and void. How could Daisy admit that she had a boy toy? <br /> <br /> Was she trying to divorce without getting a single penny out of it? Diego thought Daisy was an idiot.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's judging eyes landed on Fabian, who knew that his wife had someone on the side but didn't gather any evidence about it.<br /> <br /> She massaged her forehead, fully aware of the road ahead.<br /> <br /> Diego questioned, "Mr. Dawson, you and my client have been living separately for three years. You didn't fulfill your duty as a husband. What have you been doing all these years?"<br /> <br /> "I—"<br /> <br /> Jasmine shrewdly replied, "He has been working hard to give Ms. Freeman a better life. However, his legal wife withholds the matrimonial assets. He doesn't have any money while going through a rough patch. Ultimately, his business announced its bankruptcy. If this case is brought to court, don't think of taking a single penny, Mr. Cooper."<br /> <br /> Diego retorted, "Is this a threat, Ms. Black? His bankruptcy has nothing to do with my client. You can look into it." <br /> <br /> He looked at Daisy, who also didn't share the information with him.<br /> <br /> This was the first time he was going against Jasmine at work, and it was a surprising case at that.<br /> <br /> "Speaking of, you can also look into this, Mr. Cooper. My client bought his wife multiple houses and luxury cars worth millions of dollars altogether. Ms. Freeman didn't fork up a single penny before and after his business went bankrupt.<br /> <br /> "Controlling the matrimonial assets, refusing to pay off shared debts, and having a male companion… Mr. Cooper, you and your client should seriously consider splitting the assets equally or taking this matter to court." <br /> <br /> Jasmine slightly leaned forward, smiling at Diego.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> "Before the divorce is settled, keep those women at arm's length. Don't give Diego or your wife any other ammunition. Also, eliminate any records, pictures, messages of hotel room bookings, and whatnot," Jasmine reminded Fabian while driving the car.<br /> <br /> "Got it." <br /> <br /> Fabian was deeply impressed by her. <br /> <br /> The thought of meeting Daisy to obtain funds was humiliating to him, but the way Jasmine bombarded the opposing party gave him confidence. <br /> <br /> He was all puffed up.<br /> <br /> "Is your wife living with her boy toy?" Jasmine inquired.<br /> <br /> "Yeah, it's been three years." <br /> <br /> He crossed his arms, snorting.<br /> <br /> "That's good news for us." <br /> <br /> She smirked as she suddenly pulled over by the road. <br /> <br /> "Get back home and install a surveillance camera at her place. Tell her that it's to… prevent burglary."<br /> <br /> "I don't think she'll let me in." <br /> <br /> The couple had been living separately for three years. Daisy had bought that mansion herself.<br /> <br /> "Idiot! You're still her husband on paper. Is it wrong to return to your home? Plus, she should currently be with Diego."<br /> <br /> "Alright, I'll go now." <br /> <br /> Fabian thought, "Don't blame me for this, Daisy. I've treated you so well and spent so much money on you. How could you be this cruel to me!"<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> That night, Jasmine received a call from Fabian after she finished showering. <br /> <br /> "Diego is going to sue me for bribing him!" <br /> <br /> His words came out in a rush.<br /> <br /> Jasmine rolled her eyes. <br /> <br /> "Well, did you do that?"<br /> <br /> "He called me at night and told me he found that model. I was so scared. I met him, hoping he would cut me some slack for old times' sake. I even gave him a check of one million dollars—"<br /> <br /> "You idiot! That's a trap! He could bring a woman over and accuse you of having slept with her before, but no one would buy it as long as he doesn't have evidence. <br /> <br /> "Oh Lord, someone like you will surely lose everything before you take the divorce case to the courthouse. An idiotic teammate is definitely more harmful than a powerful opponent." <br /> <br /> Jasmine crossed her arms and shook her head.<br /> <br /> "Yes, yes, yes, I'm an idiot. You gotta save me, Jasmine! That jerk, Diego, doesn't even care that we were once friends. Gosh, I'm livid!"<br /> <br /> "You can be sentenced up to 15 years for bribing a lawyer. It's almost impossible to be announced not guilty of this charge. How am I supposed to help you?"<br /> <br /> "W-Well, I don't mind going to prison. But the main thing is, your first loss will be because of Diego! Not only is your reputation at stake, but other lawyers and your friends will never let you live it down!" <br /> <br /> Fabian attempted to earn her pity.<br /> <br /> Jasmine paced back and forth in her room while reminding him seriously, "I repeat, do not meet your wife's lawyer without my presence. Think before you speak whenever you talk to her. Don't fall for her schemes. Got it?"<br /> <br /> "I'll keep that in mind. But how are you going to—" <br /> <br /> He was about to ask her about the possible bribery lawsuit, but the call was terminated.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jasmine headed to Cooper, Taylor & Associates.<br /> <br /> The receptionist asked, "Ms. Black, what—" <br /> <br /> "I'm Mr. Cooper's girlfriend," blurted Jasmine without stopping in her tracks.<br /> <br /> The employees were stunned to see her there. Rumors about her and Diego had been circling within the law firm for the past two days.<br /> <br /> She read the sign on the door before knocking and opening it without waiting for Diego's signal.<br /> <br /> Diego, who was reading some documents, looked up at her expressionlessly.<br /> <br /> "Is there anything, Ms. Black?" <br /> <br /> He sounded aloof.<br /> <br /> Jasmine's hair was let loose over her black professional attire. Her three-inch black high heels were supposed to add more professionalism to her appearance, but it made her look alluring instead.<br /> <br /> She walked up next to him before flopping onto his office table seductively. With one hand, she easily grabbed his necktie.<br /> <br /> "Giving me the cold treatment already? We just slept together two days ago, though."<br /> Chapter 3<br /> Diego snatched back his tie from Jasmine's hands while chuckling. <br /> <br /> "You must be here because of Fabian's bribery."<br /> <br /> "Of course not. I'm here to… talk about our relationship, not work." <br /> <br /> She pulled at his necktie again, playing with it while faking a smile. <br /> <br /> "You want me to sleep with you again? So you can brag about it in the group and rake in big money?" <br /> <br /> He slapped her hand away.<br /> <br /> He crossed his arms to lean against the back of his chair and arched a brow at her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine slid down from the table to sit on his lap. The transition she made was smooth.<br /> <br /> Her warm breath brushed against his ears as she giggled. <br /> <br /> "Honestly, I was too drunk to remember what happened that night. I kind of want to relive it again…"<br /> <br /> Diego's ears turned red. He pushed Jasmine and stared at her. He thought she was shameless. <br /> <br /> "Uphold your dignity, Jasmine Black."<br /> <br /> "I've misplaced it. Mind finding it for me?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine rested against his chest lazily. <br /> <br /> Her finger traced along his perfect neckline. <br /> <br /> "I never knew that you were this pretentious, Mr. Cooper. You were so mean that night, as if it was your first time seeing a woman. Why are you pretending to be free from lust now?"<br /> <br /> The cheeky movement of her finger gave him a faint jolt of electricity, and he slapped her hand away. <br /> <br /> "What are you trying to imply right now? Who was the one who said that it was a mere game so heartlessly that day?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine wished she could slap herself—no, Fabian—at this moment. She felt that it was all that idiot's fault.<br /> <br /> Had it not been for him, she wouldn't have needed to flatter Diego.<br /> <br /> "Why take it to the heart when those were mere heartless words? Since we've slept together, why don't we just date?" <br /> <br /> She took shamelessness to a whole new level.<br /> <br /> "Sorry, but I don't date heartless people. Torturing myself is not my thing." <br /> <br /> Diego shoved Jasmine off his lap.<br /> <br /> Jasmine gnashed her teeth in rage. How dare he claim that dating her was torture!<br /> <br /> It took everything in her to build up her reputation and the confidence to stand before him with pride.<br /> <br /> But why must she debase herself for him again?<br /> <br /> She thought Diego was one merciless and stubborn man.<br /> <br /> Given her pretty looks, voluptuous body, elite profession, and background, men lined up to be her partner.<br /> <br /> Yet, she had to work hard to wear him down.<br /> <br /> She stood up straight and massaged her forehead to regain her cool momentarily. <br /> <br /> Then, she made a graceful turn and crossed her arms, smiling. <br /> <br /> "Are you sure you want that, jerk?"<br /> <br /> Diego ignored her and pressed a button on his landline. <br /> <br /> "Callie, come in and escort Ms. Black to make payment."<br /> <br /> He pointed and glanced at the door. <br /> <br /> "Ms. Black, I charge ten thousand dollars per consultation hour. Please make the payment outside."<br /> <br /> She nodded before suddenly removing and tossing her black coat onto his table. She strode toward the door while unbuttoning her shirt and ruffling her hair. <br /> <br /> "It's only ten thousand dollars. Don't worry. I will pay and ask your secretary to… buy something."<br /> <br /> Diego finally showed traces of uneasiness at her actions. He sprang up from his seat and ran over to the door.<br /> <br /> When she opened the door, he quickly slammed it shut again by caging her against it. <br /> <br /> His eyelids fluttered at the pleasing view before him, and he looked away. <br /> <br /> "Why are you here?"<br /> <br /> Jasmine scanned the office, concerned that he would record the conversation secretly. After all, no one knew what he had up his sleeves, considering how cautious he was.<br /> <br /> Daisy was at a disadvantage, which was why Diego set Fabian up. <br /> <br /> If Jasmine fell for Diego's trap, too, she would lose the case and be sent to prison. She would be the joke of the century if that came to pass.<br /> <br /> "I'm here to talk about us." <br /> <br /> She flashed him a smile, attempting to have him wrapped around her finger first.<br /> <br /> Right then, the door suddenly opened. Callie turned her head only to see the duo engaged in an intimate scene. Her jaw almost fell to the floor.<br /> <br /> Diego, who wielded impactful influence in the political and business worlds, always prioritized work over anything else.<br /> <br /> His methods were ruthless and shrewd. Nothing could make him bat an eye, not even a murder.<br /> <br /> On the subject of chivalry and love, he didn't have the emotional intelligence for either of those.<br /> <br /> Callie couldn't believe what she was witnessing.<br /> <br /> "Get out," Diego instructed Callie.<br /> <br /> "Y-Yes. Don't worry, Mr. Cooper. I saw absolutely nothing." <br /> <br /> Callie covered her eyes.<br /> <br /> When he was about to close the door, Jasmine deliberately called out to her. <br /> <br /> "Don't leave so quickly. Could you help us buy something we really need right now?"<br /> <br /> She gave her a meaningful look. <br /> <br /> "Huh?" <br /> <br /> The baffled expression on Callie's face gave way to shock and awkwardness once she comprehended the situation. <br /> <br /> "S-Sure. I'll go right now." <br /> <br /> She slid out of the door and closed it.<br /> <br /> Jasmine chuckled. <br /> <br /> "Your secretary is sensible and funny."<br /> <br /> Diego pulled away from her to get her coat. A crease knitted between his brows. <br /> <br /> "Enough fooling around. Are you going to leave dressed or naked? If you want the latter, I'm happy to lend you a helping hand."<br /> <br /> "Try me." <br /> <br /> She cocked her brow as she didn't believe Diego's words.<br /> <br /> As soon as she finished speaking, Diego threw the coat to one side and stripped her of her shirt.<br /> <br /> Before she could react, he pulled her into his arms and trailed his fingers on her back.<br /> <br /> Completely flustered, she covered her chest. <br /> <br /> "What are you doing, jerk? Do you think you're the only one with guts here?"<br /> <br /> She became agitated and caught the secret pin of his belt and pressed it. The belt dangled in midair. <br /> <br /> Something dark was churning in his eyes as he stared at her.<br /> <br /> Right then, a knock resounded on the door, and the doorknob twisted.<br /> <br /> Before the person could open the door, Diego pushed back against it. <br /> <br /> "Don't come in!"<br /> <br /> He withdrew his hand to wear his belt. <br /> <br /> "Get dressed already!"<br /> <br /> "I thought you wanted me to leave naked. Why are you stopping me now? Because you don't want others to see?"<br /> Chapter 4<br /> Diego was rendered speechless. He gave Jasmine a cold look before returning to his table to bury himself in the documents, ignoring her.<br /> <br /> Jasmine swiftly dressed herself and opened the door to leave. <br /> <br /> But Jesse Taylor—their old friend—was holding some documents by the door.<br /> <br /> He arched his brows at her. <br /> <br /> "Why didn't you let me in? What… were you guys doing in there?"<br /> <br /> "Take a guess." <br /> <br /> Jasmine put on a serious face while brushing her hair. <br /> <br /> "Did you sleep with him again? I will only pay when I see the proof!"<br /> <br /> "Knock on the door at the right time next time." <br /> <br /> She said that intentionally before leaving.<br /> <br /> Diego raised his head to watch her leave. Her antics frustrated him.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Jasmine returned to her office in the afternoon. <br /> <br /> An offer came in. It was a request for her to represent a huge company. She would be paid handsomely for the job.<br /> <br /> When the boss left, Fabian, who had been waiting for a long time, immediately entered her office. <br /> <br /> "Be honest with me. How much do you earn annually? You have so many clients."<br /> <br /> "Have you installed the surveillance camera?" <br /> <br /> Jasmine watered the orchids in her office nonchalantly. She thought it was a bad idea to reveal her income to outsiders.<br /> <br /> "I've done it. But Daisy's boy toy hasn't visited her mansion for two days. I bet Diego has reminded her about it."<br /> <br /> "There's no rush in this." <br /> <br /> Jasmine was calm.<br /> <br /> "Do you have any solutions to resolve the bribery incident?" Fabian asked concernedly.<br /> <br /> She fell silent.<br /> <br /> Diego had the evidence that could prove Fabian's bribery attempt, but he didn't file a lawsuit for it.<br /> <br /> She wondered what Diego was up to. Was he trying to play with her more?<br /> <br /> If so, she didn't mind joining the game.<br /> <br /> "I'll buy us some time for now. Didn't you say that your wife slept with other men?"<br /> <br /> "I'm very sure about it. I ran into her a few times when she was having a meal with different businessmen. From the look in their eyes, I knew there was something going on between them. I wouldn't have married her if I had known she was this kind of woman!"<br /> <br /> "Hire a reliable private investigator. It'll be best to have pictures of her having an affair with another man," Jasmine stated.<br /> <br /> With such evidence, she could negotiate with Diego to reclaim the evidence of Fabian's bribery attempt.<br /> <br /> If Diego still refuses to compromise, she'd need to see him in court first for the bribery case.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Diego and Jesse were enjoying their time in the bar at night.<br /> <br /> A woman in a white strap dress showed up. Her makeup was light, and she let her hair loose. She looked stunning.<br /> <br /> The woman walked toward them, and Diego noticed.<br /> <br /> "What a coincidence! Are you guys here for a drink, too?" <br /> <br /> Although there was an empty seat beside Diego, Jasmine chose to sit next to Jesse.<br /> <br /> "You look like a doll today… Are you trying to seduce Mr. Cooper again?" <br /> <br /> Jesse grinned. <br /> <br /> Jasmine ordered a bottle of whiskey from the barista and filled half of her glass with it. <br /> <br /> After taking a sip, she deliberately hung her arm over his shoulders with a smile. <br /> <br /> "I think you're hot, too. You're also funny and nice."<br /> <br /> Diego glanced at her and took a sip of his drink. <br /> <br /> "Jesse, do you know why callous people can appear flirty?" <br /> <br /> He looked serious.<br /> <br /> Jasmine almost choked over her drink. He was chiding her once again.<br /> <br /> She thought he was a jerk for doing so.<br /> <br /> "Because they flirt with different people?" <br /> <br /> Jesse was flabbergasted. <br /> <br /> "Why the question all of a sudden?"<br /> <br /> Sometimes, Jesse swore that he couldn't follow Diego's thoughts.<br /> <br /> "That's right. We should never stoop to that level." <br /> <br /> Diego's tone remained serious.<br /> <br /> Jasmine felt he was being pretentious. <br /> <br /> People might have perceived him as a righteous man, but he was rotten on the inside.<br /> <br /> She sighed.<br /> <br /> "I guess people can stoop that low sometimes." <br /> <br /> She flashed a smile at him while propping her chin on her hand, and he arched his brow in response.<br /> <br /> Jesse choked on his drink and spilled alcohol all over. <br /> <br /> Her face flushed red. It seemed like she had lost this time. <br /> <br /> Agitated, she kicked his shin with her heels and shoved him away.<br /> <br /> Then, she walked over to Diego's seat, bending over to lift his chin and bite his lips.<br /> <br /> Her posture exerted dominance. It was as if a lady boss was forcing a kiss on her submissive boyfriend. <br /> <br /> His expression darkened. He was about to push her away when she pulled herself from him. <br /> <br /> She crossed her arms, satisfied with the mark she left on his lips. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, please lay the evidence on the table before you speak. If you spout nonsense, I will have to—"<br /> <br /> Halfway through her declaration, he suddenly stood up and towered over her. <br /> <br /> Grabbing her by the waist, Diego pinned her against the counter and bit Jasmine's lips back.<br /> <br /> She moaned in pain.<br /> <br /> Before Jasmine could hit Diego, he withdrew and placed his hands behind his back. <br /> <br /> She massaged her hurting waist and touched her lips, which were bleeding because of his bite.<br /> <br /> Her opinion of him being a jerk strengthened. <br /> <br /> She was so annoyed that she barked a laugh. <br /> <br /> "Diego Cooper, I will make you kneel and beg for mercy one day!" <br /> <br /> "Is that so?" <br /> <br /> He chuckled.<br /> <br /> "I swear to God!" Jasmine waged a challenge.<br /> <br /> He smiled faintly while watching her.<br /> <br /> A thrilled Jesse was grinning ear-to-ear. <br /> <br /> "Holy moly, you're going to make him kneel and beg for mercy? You have guts, Ms. Black! But… I love it! I'm betting ten thousand dollars!"<br /> <br /> He would love to see Diego do that. After all, Diego had always been the epitome of arrogance.<br /> <br /> Jesse quickly repeated Jasmine's words in the group chat, which sent everyone wild. <br /> <br /> Such bliss should be shared for the greater good.<br /> <br /> Everyone in the group chat began placing their bets, and her phone kept ringing from the influx of messages.<br /> <br /> She checked the notifications and rolled her eyes at Jesse. <br /> <br /> "Wow, thanks."<br /> <br /> "My pleasure. The more, the merrier, right?" <br /> <br /> He grinned sheepishly while brushing the tip of his nose.<br /> <br /> Jasmine filled her glass and downed it all to regain her composure. Then, she headed to the restroom. <br /> <br /> Some suspicious men were following her from behind.<br /> <br /> When they reached the corridor to the restroom, someone said to her, "Jasmine Black from Black, Murphy & Associates?"<br /> <br /> She spun around and questioned the six sceptical-looking men, "Who are you working for?"<br /> <br /> "That's none of your business. Anyway, someone wants you crippled to ruin your career," said the leading man with red hair. <br /> <br /> He brandished the metal bar from his shirt and signaled his men to charge at her. They were all holding the same weapon.<br /> <br /> "Fuck. You've just underestimated me there."<br /> Chapter 5<br /> The six suspicious-looking men had approached her at the right time.<br /> <br /> Jasmine coincidentally needed to vent her frustrations.<br /> <br /> She warmed up her legs before suddenly kicking the red-haired guy, sending him flying and landing on three other men.<br /> <br /> A few minutes later, Diego, who also had to use the restroom, noticed a bunch of guys surrounding Jasmine. <br /> <br /> An icy, intimidating air emanated from her.<br /> <br /> He joined the fray, easily taking down those men with a few punches and kicks. The blows he dealt were clean-cut.<br /> <br /> He might appear to be a level-headed and calm person, but his combat skills were fatal.<br /> <br /> "Who are you working for?" Diego interrogated while stepping on one of the men's faces.<br /> <br /> "It's…" <br /> <br /> The man had an idea and lied, "It's Mrs. Cannon from Cannon Group! Ms. Black sent her husband to prison, so she wanted us to teach Ms. Black a lesson."<br /> <br /> "Jesse, call the cops." <br /> <br /> Diego kicked the man and approached Jasmine. <br /> <br /> "Are you alright?"<br /> <br /> A quick-witted Jasmine clutched her abdomen, feigning pain. <br /> <br /> "They hit my stomach with a stick. It hurts…" <br /> <br /> Diego wordlessly scooped her up and headed outside. Jasmine was very confused. <br /> <br /> She wondered if he was worried about her, even though he said she was heartless and kept angering her.<br /> <br /> She considered if he was suffering from dissociative identity disorder.<br /> <br /> Jesse called to them, "Hey! Are you leaving so soon? Why am I cleaning up the mess for you guys again?"<br /> <br /> However, the ungrateful duo didn't respond to him.<br /> <br /> In the car, Diego asked, "Do you want to go to the hospital?"<br /> <br /> Hugging his neck, Jasmine leaned her head to rest on his shoulder. She stifled the urge to grin while continuing her act. <br /> <br /> "It's fine. Do you have medicine at home? You can help me tend to my wounds."<br /> <br /> "I'll send you back to your place then." <br /> <br /> He removed her hands so that she could be seated properly.<br /> <br /> "No! I want to go to your place!" <br /> <br /> She plastered herself to him, whining.<br /> <br /> Diego pushed her away and cupped Jasmine's face. <br /> <br /> "You said it was a game. Is my place a playground, then? A place you can come and go whenever you want?" <br /> <br /> "I wanna go!" <br /> <br /> She slapped off his hand and snorted.<br /> <br /> She was going to make this man fall for her one day.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> The next morning, Jesse returned to Diego's office from the police station.<br /> <br /> "Did the cops look into it? Was it Mrs. Cannon?" inquired Diego.<br /> <br /> "Not her, but your client, Daisy Freeman." <br /> <br /> Jesse delved his hands into his pockets, smiling.<br /> <br /> Diego's expression darkened.<br /> <br /> "If Jasmine finds out it's Daisy behind this, she'll surely sue her. So, I called Jasmine and told her it was Mrs. Cannon's doing."<br /> <br /> Diego didn't respond. Instead, he contacted Daisy to arrange a meeting at his office.<br /> <br /> After the call ended, Jesse asked, "Are you still not going to file a lawsuit against Fabian? No one can ever escape from the charges of bribing a lawyer. Besides, if you file the lawsuit now, you won't have to meet Jasmine in court after that."<br /> <br /> "It's none of your business." <br /> <br /> Diego took a sip of his coffee.<br /> <br /> "This is not like you. Have you fallen for her after sleeping with her?" Jesse teased.<br /> <br /> "You must be blind," Diego retorted.<br /> <br /> "Then, why don't you want to close this divorce case as soon as possible?"<br /> <br /> "Can't I toy with her for a while longer? Look how arrogant she is." <br /> <br /> As Jasmine had said, this was simply a game. It wouldn't hurt to play along with her, would it?<br /> <br /> "Fine. But do not lose the case because of this game. I've seen how Jasmine defended her client in court several times before. She was sharp, quick-witted, and intimidating. She finished asking her questions before the opposing lawyer could react."<br /> <br /> "Do you think that I'll lose to her?" <br /> <br /> Diego cocked his brow.<br /> <br /> "What if you're blinded by love?"<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Daisy intentionally chose a tight black dress with a deep neckline to wear to Cooper, Taylor & Associates. <br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, why did you call for me?" <br /> <br /> Her sexy gait carried her to his table.<br /> <br /> She had the nerve to rest her hand on his shoulder before sliding it down to his chest.<br /> <br /> Her beauty gave her the confidence to take down any man.<br /> <br /> Suddenly, Diego stood up and choked her, dragging her all the way to the floor-to-ceiling window.<br /> <br /> He was forced half of her body to hang out of the window.<br /> <br /> "First of all, I'll cut your hands off if you touch me again. Secondly, I'll send you straight to prison the next time you hire someone to hurt Jasmine. You won't be able to get a single penny out of your divorce!"<br /> <br /> Daisy coughed while trying to pry his hand away.<br /> <br /> Looking at his menacing expression was already intimidating enough. When she turned her head to gaze down at the dizzying height, fear gripped her.<br /> <br /> They were on the 118th floor.<br /> <br /> "I-I won't do it again…"<br /> <br /> Only then did he lift her up and throw her to a corner. <br /> <br /> "You better see to that."<br /> <br /> The heels Daisy wore were so high that she almost lost her balance and fell. <br /> <br /> She clenched her fists and tried to regain her composure. <br /> <br /> "Why are you taking her side?" <br /> <br /> She couldn't help the question.<br /> <br /> Diego wiped his hand, which had touched her, with a few pieces of tissue paper. <br /> <br /> He spun around, pinning her with his sharp gaze. <br /> <br /> "If my reputation is ruined, will you compensate for it?"<br /> <br /> Daisy initially assumed that Diego had feelings for Jasmine. It turned out that he was simply trying to defend his reputation.<br /> <br /> "Mr. Cooper, are you confident that we can win this case? I don't want to split my assets into half for that guy without a valid reason."<br /> <br /> Over the last two days, Daisy had looked into Jasmine. <br /> <br /> Jasmine accepted various high-profile cases. She was even the defense attorney for a death-row prisoner, who was then released without charges.<br /> <br /> Diego may be able to send an innocent person to jail, but Jasmine could get a prisoner off death row.<br /> <br /> That was why Daisy was worried about seeing Jasmine in court.<br /> <br /> "With me, all I ask is whether you want to win or not because I will certainly win it." <br /> <br /> He spared Daisy a cold glance before returning to his seat.<br /> <br /> Daisy didn't say anything further and left.<br /> <br /> …<br /> <br /> Jasmine and her assistant, Addison, were on their way to the courthouse together.<br /> <br /> "Ms. Black, don't you think the plaintiff is pitiful? His daughter needs the money to receive treatment. If he loses the case and is unable to receive insurance for compensation, what's gonna happen to her?" asked Addison.<br /> <br /> As Jasmine crossed her legs, she shifted her attention from the documents in her hands to give him a brief look. <br /> <br /> "Having faith in your client and giving them the greatest advantage is the basic principle of a lawyer."	LEARN_MORE	https://enjoyae.com/wf_land_page/12119.html?langua	102579799309506	Webfic-love	https://facebook.com/100086745850436	2,071	1	930,335,388,885,539	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Webfic-love	120209576653500382	enjoyae.com	NONE	video		https://enjoyae.com/wf_land_page/12119.html?language=en&timestamp=1715168570680&channelCode=WIENF1000147&bid=21000205576&utm_campaign={{campaign.name}}&utm_content={{campaign.id}}&ad_group_name={{adset.name}}&ad_group_id={{adset.id}}&ad_id={{ad.id}}&ad_name={{ad.name}}	2024-05-08 07:03	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438303912_457793523274191_4315225284612942140_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=SY2m3IwVReQQ7kNvgFP6bSt&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBDCi6wsz3hrfNo9ZGplESpnL1kOGcXJutmJB9uB_fcrw&oe=6641DBBA	person_profile	Webfic-love	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438301394_958652729004615_1063869485379456646_n.jpg?_nc_cat=103&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=WmXGdpaNVpwQ7kNvgEAy-pd&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfA9kknqBMoJWelg9RwXslbSDbNL9QEoSm-PUJGHjdnJ5g&oe=6641E3D5	3	Webfic-love	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,515	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778520}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:39	active	760	258627437271554	No More Shoulder Pain	Top physical therapists have developed a breakthrough Compression Shoulder Brace designed to provide support precisely where it's required to ease frozen shoulder pain, rotator cuff pain, arthritic shoulder, and general shoulder pain.<br /> <br /> Get your first time customers discount today -> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.healthylabco.com%2Fshoulder-brace-visual-advertorial&h=AT2VHkenWw9tlxe8WPAB6UVw5gZXpGDDlK6TA7Q2kB4I2awUjSkE8Ws63afPZeLg9raAjxFnZAnKjNt1oTSvLkKiHyP2khLVF115DvFInacsiaQol2SaLCaCMQHEXAUQPCOgw73VPA2xWw" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://secure.healthylabco.com/shoulder-brace-visual-advertorial</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://secure.healthylabco.com/shoulder-brace-vis	102542762731233	Shoulder Pain Relief Compression Brace	https://facebook.com/100089123592491	4,101	1	2,717,059,851,928,700	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Shoulder Pain Relief Compression Brace	120209317287460364	secure.healthylabco.com	NONE	video	Guaranteed Shoulder Pain Relief Or Your Money Back	https://secure.healthylabco.com/shoulder-brace-visual-advertorial?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium={{campaign.name}}&utm_campaign={{adset.name}}&utm_content={{ad.name}}	2024-05-08 04:54	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440810730_793004239147084_5479036657953180785_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=4tZm6kZWf3UQ7kNvgHxO-FT&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCmmHARtCcYEKdqupknudf4hrYFTEIdVwgNr60eLH3Wng&oe=6641D453	person_profile	Shoulder Pain Relief Compressi	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441311551_461915366297421_4854411692871368576_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=2J_nNkm2YMoQ7kNvgE62G8U&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfB43oMKA3MnJx11f7AdfMnjOr1HysKQ1fK52thnXJgT-A&oe=6641CB76	3	Shoulder Pain Relief Compression Brace	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,523	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778520}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:39	active	760	1128720971680502	No More Shoulder Pain	Top physical therapists have developed a breakthrough Compression Shoulder Brace designed to provide support precisely where it's required to ease frozen shoulder pain, rotator cuff pain, arthritic shoulder, and general shoulder pain.<br /> <br /> Get your first time customers discount today -> <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.healthylabco.com%2Fshoulder-brace-visual-advertorial&h=AT37SlL5yMA0NleBw2HicJs0gSxk33nMbNUGP8BL0B6DDBhb6rM41zl3dhqB8Zl5v_TmCIxrCzd_1WYWUGyaAgtvav4tWMa6-4jW88PlyP1iFiaq8PdxmWC-CNYkJMxW7ZZlHHV63Iqj-g" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://secure.healthylabco.com/shoulder-brace-visual-advertorial</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://secure.healthylabco.com/shoulder-brace-vis	102542762731233	Shoulder Pain Relief Compression Brace	https://facebook.com/100089123592491	4,101	1	381,365,684,904,810	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	1	1	0	Learn more	Shoulder Pain Relief Compression Brace	120209317068850364	secure.healthylabco.com	NONE	video	Guaranteed Shoulder Pain Relief Or Your Money Back	https://secure.healthylabco.com/shoulder-brace-visual-advertorial?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium={{campaign.name}}&utm_campaign={{adset.name}}&utm_content={{ad.name}}	2024-05-08 04:45	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441056296_1969615163434489_1892016268251503982_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=107&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=emzDJpHDRJQQ7kNvgGOpFor&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfD7Mi5ShJzlfWNd8n3AIJBVCflrqkH4dEJ7fcmrc34EvA&oe=6641C545	person_profile	Shoulder Pain Relief Compressi	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/438160505_806651491525164_4400868086055102351_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=lYszdbgrT94Q7kNvgGlVcdY&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfDy_cp5jsEeyD7RYVp3FzokXwYiaRCXUiBFZRq3btezng&oe=6641CAB4	3	Shoulder Pain Relief Compression Brace	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,582	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) null	Yes	2024-05-08 18:40	active	760	1133464277970019	It’s Not Too Late To Heal & Live Neuropathy Free!	New Neuropathy Breakthrough In Peachtree City! I'm Dr. Katz and I'm booking the next 20 people who click this ad for a $79 Neuropathy Screening!<br /> <br /> Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when the nerves responsible for transmitting messages from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body are either damaged or inflamed.<br /> <br /> When this happens, we can experience endless:<br /> 🔥 Burning<br /> 👋 Numbness and Tingling<br /> 🤕 Chronic Pain<br /> 🦵 Loss of Balance<br /> <br /> There are several kinds of Peripheral Neuropathies and they can stem from a variety of causes.<br /> <br /> So, in your Neuropathy Screening you will get answers to the following questions:<br /> <br /> ✅ What is the underlying cause of the nerve damage?<br /> ✅ How severe is my condition?<br /> ✅ Are other conditions contributing?<br /> ✅ What types of nerves have damage?<br /> ✅ How much treatment is required to heal?<br /> <br /> The underlying cause is different for every patient and must be understood in order to help the nerves heal and get back to a normal life.<br /> <br /> This is why 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝟮𝟬 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵!<br /> <br /> That includes:<br /> ✔️ Consultation<br /> ✔️ Exam<br /> ✔️ Thermal Imaging<br /> ✔️ Doctor’s Report of Findings<br /> ✔️ AND 1st Treatment<br /> <br /> Thorough testing is so critically important in helping patients suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy and we here at Fayette Chiropractic Center want to help as many people as we can.<br /> <br /> Click the link below to register for your Neuropathy Screening today to uncover the underlying cause of such discomfort and see how our revolutionary treatment can change your life!<br /> <br /> Our goal is to get our patients back to doing the things they love with the people they love without drugs, needles or surgery and in as painless a way as possible.<br /> <br /> People can and do overcome their Neuropathy!<br /> <br /> 👉 Click here to claim your screening!: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffayettechiropractic.info%2Fneuropathy-optin&h=AT1BEBxXfVEMvm62YAxCROmm7zNERoWS58vU1iyUL9MIchKVlel_SRFBpiVjvkycPT-y3V-dBeUfW1dAbwCgNT9AKey5wFN6FiPsD7SsTYUEb1EVrsLGV2k7izf5EGX8Pvg2OTfybbqt0g" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://fayettechiropractic.info/neuropathy-optin</a><br /> <br /> And if you care about reputation and real results, like we do, here’s what some of our patients have to say…<br /> <br /> ⭐⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Dr Katz is so awesome. She truly cares about the wellbeing of her patients. Also her staff is great. I have made some lifetime friends her at her office!” -Leslie S.<br /> <br /> 👉 Click here to claim your screening!: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Ffayettechiropractic.info%2Fneuropathy-optin&h=AT0DzAaS3_SIvo3B2_NQANp5p7dv_6itRFBfS0LiOjVvPr3mjD7wbpcHd6oTob_18gz9Ei3MPzZVc_iGU1pYHnEQsxHqNF03aokj0FfkmI9AuZiuwssme8k7RXXKcDCiDP7rIcjyRhOYaQ" rel="nofollow noreferrer" target="_blank" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy">https://fayettechiropractic.info/neuropathy-optin</a>	LEARN_MORE	https://fayettechiropractic.info/neuropathy-optin	286271481991	Fayetteville, GA Chiropractor - Dr. Linda Katz	https://facebook.com/fayettechiropractic	2,834	1	407,039,958,904,479	2024-05-08 02:00	regular_page	eligible	NONE	0	1	1	Learn more	Fayetteville, GA Chiropractor - Dr. Linda Katz	120210731182630076	fayettechiropractic.info	NONE	image	Fayette Chiropractic Center $79 Voucher for a Consultation, Exam, Thermal Imaging, Doctor’s Report of Findings, AND 1st Treatment	https://fayettechiropractic.info/neuropathy-optin	2024-05-08 00:23	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440325933_747361440801453_2123311022231991396_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=RdBdiD2AHgMQ7kNvgFXgk62&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfB1K-HWGi_Yg8rlyvN0RhlExofpKs9mAaJ3T7tY9K2-4A&oe=6641DC62	person_profile	Fayetteville, GA Chiropractor	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/440184640_945976106999632_1043281799304140257_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=N2pXGlGpzggQ7kNvgF6Ke8k&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfBjROClDvuSvCBSHPzZgG-Gwhw2BaO0S0NOH0OXwgGaoQ&oe=6641DBA4	3	Fayetteville, GA Chiropractor - Dr. Linda Katz	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete
1,778,600	/src/Template/Ads/index.ctp (line 281) '{"alias":1778598}'	Yes	2024-05-08 18:40	active	760	382469248120636	Calm parent, calm child: manage tantrums	🔴 Especially for parents who want to stop the meltdowns, the tantrums and the kicking and screaming without resorting to yelling, threats and tears:<br /> Free online Masterclass: “𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱: 𝟰 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴”.<br /> <br /> One minute they’re happy as a clown, the next they’re mad as a hornet.<br /> <br /> And the more tired you are, the more they seem hell-bent on bouncing around the house and on your last nerve.<br /> <br /> You tell them you’re too tired to play with them and the next thing you know they burst into tears and start throwing stuffed animals at the TV.<br /> <br /> If they’re old enough to have homework, more often than not that means strained negotiations, “I don’t wanna!”s, and sniveling crying fits.<br /> <br /> And through all that, you yourself have your own things going on and your own feelings to sort through. You’re only human.<br /> <br /> Besides... You’re a parent – anxiety and frustration are just part of the job description.<br /> <br /> If you want to learn how to deal with your kid’s nervous breakdowns without having one yourself, then this online Masterclass, “𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱: 𝟰 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗹𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴” is for you.<br /> <br /> You’ll find out why kids shift gears so fast, going from calm and friendly to kicking and biting at the drop of a hat.<br /> <br /> You will also learn the correct way to deal with your kid’s emotions and help them process strong feelings such as anger, frustration or sadness on their own.<br /> <br /> In this Masterclass:<br /> You’ll learn what to do when your kid has a meltdown, rolls around on the floor or throws a temper tantrum, instead of raising your voice or getting as upset as they are.<br /> <br /> You’ll learn how to help your child release their pent-up anger in a constructive way, without fighting or smashing things.<br /> <br /> You’ll learn how to identify the root issues behind irritability, anger and other negative emotions, both for your child and yourself as a parent.<br /> <br /> You’ll learn how to decrease stress, both for you and for your child, and thus prevent the next outburst of negative emotions.<br /> <br /> Click the link below to see if you qualify for a free invitation to this Masterclass.	SIGN_UP	https://allaboutparenting.com/4-steps-registration	108740448144670	Patrick Ney	https://facebook.com/parentingwithpatrickney	50,506	1	1,296,432,877,924,694	2024-05-08 02:00	person_profile	eligible	NONE	0	1	0	Sign up	Patrick Ney	120208412850290497	allaboutparenting.com	NONE	video		https://allaboutparenting.com/4-steps-registration/?utm_source=facebook_ads	2024-05-08 07:09	https://scontent-iad3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441451431_991382059244065_6895870067179094758_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s60x60&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=OWtYkUWDfK4Q7kNvgFWRA3Q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-1.xx&oh=00_AfCQcfikIGGGFIQXP52au90nuM_pXaVEaoce1k5bbKakZg&oe=6641D979	person_profile	Patrick Ney	https://scontent-iad3-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.35426-6/441487267_2104017053292602_8909806814298019604_n.jpg?_nc_cat=105&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=c53f8f&_nc_ohc=v1LET_RaXMIQ7kNvgEGKL4q&_nc_ht=scontent-iad3-2.xx&oh=00_AfCvzcuEdVfm9qD50lnWe8n2IXz2pjbt0GhKSDgme_Qlyw&oe=6641D582	3	Patrick Ney	2024-05-08 02:00	View Edit Delete

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